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Prize money boost for Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational

The Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational with main sponsor Qatar Telecom, an event hosted by the President of Indonesia, will return onto the Asian Tour Schedule from August 28 to 31 with a bigger prize fund for the region’s stars.

The second edition of the tournament will be held at the highly acclaimed Damai Indah Golf – Pantai Indah Kapuk Course where Asia’s best players, including title holder Juvic Pagunsan, will battle for total prize money of US$400,000, an increase of US$50,000 from last year’s inaugural event.

Pertamina will title sponsor the Asian Tour event for the second successive year with Qatar Telecom being a main sponsor. The event’s co-sponsors include Commonwealth Bank, Indosat and partnered by Bormindo, Corum, Evian, Damai Indah Golf, The Flag Golf Magazine/Kariza, Golf Digest Indonesia, Heineken, Le Meridian Hotel, MNK, Prestige, PGN, Pin High, Samsung and Srixon.

Patrick Young, chief executive of Ancora Sports – the event’s promoter, said it was an honour to the golf industry of Indonesia that the President of Indonesia will host the event again in 2008.

“This event is a highlight on the golf calendar in Indonesia and the Asian Tour. We believe that by promoting this event in Indonesia, it will continue to showcase to the world the excellent opportunities that exist for sponsors to develop their businesses in this wonderful country,” said Young.

“We must record our appreciation to our sponsors and partners who foresee the potential of this industry in our country. I would like to especially thank Pertamina, the title sponsors and our very good friends from Qatar Telecom, which is using the event as a platform for promotion in Indonesia as the tournament’s main sponsor.

“We also fully appreciate the support of Commonwealth Bank and Indosat, both in their second year of sponsorship.”

Young added that the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational with main sponsor Qatar Telecom will provide a wider platform for the local professionals and amateurs to excel and an avenue to play against world-class players.

“We believe that there is untold talent in Indonesia and by promoting this tournament, we are able to provide ample opportunities for both local amateur and professional golfers to compete against the world’s and Asia’s best players,” said Young.

The event will be a full-field tournament and sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Indonesian PGA (PGPI) and organised by Indonesia golfing authority, the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI).

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the increase in prize fund, saying it was another indication that professional golf was prospering across Asia.

“We are delighted to celebrate the second edition of the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational with main sponsor Qatar Telecom with an increase in the tournament’s prize fund to US$400,000,” said Han.

“The tournament is truly unique as it is hosted by the President of Indonesia and on behalf of our talented players, I would like to extend our fullest appreciation for the President’s support towards golf in Asia. I would also like to express our thanks to the title sponsor Pertamina for their commitment towards this tournament and the other many sponsors who are involved with the event.”

Ultimately, Young hopes that a local winner will prevail in the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational and make history as Indonesia has yet to produce a winner on the Asian Tour.

“Last year, six Indonesian players made the halfway cut and we hope that one of the talented players from the country will challenge for the winner’s trophy and a share of the US$400,000 prize fund,” said Young.

August 13, 2008