Bali to host Indonesia Golf Open

AsiaGolfOnline.com, Nov 29th, 2008  

The Indonesia Open, the annual co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event held since 2005, moves to the tropical island of Bali with new dates of February 26-March 1, 2009.      

The exciting new venue is the New Kuta Golf Resort, situated on the south western rim of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula which overlooks the stunning Balangan Beach and the Indian Ocean. 

Located near what is renowned as one of the top surfing destinations in the region, the par 72 golf course measures over 7,500 yards and is designed by Golf Plan USA, consisting of Ronald Fream, David Dale and Kevin Ramsey.  New Kuta Golf is also the first ‘links style’ golf course in the country. 

Boasting Indonesia’s richest prize purse for a sporting event, the Indonesia Open immediately follows the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia, held in the preceding week, and a week before the Thailand Open, thus ensuring the participation of some of Europe’s and Asia’s best players.  The total prize money on offer is US$1.25 million, increased from US$ 1.2 million of last year. 

“Bali has always been a favorite destination for European golfers when they come through the region,” said Vicky Jones, The European Tour’s Client Services Director, Asia.  “It will be exciting to play in a tropical paradise that is surrounded with such rich culture and traditions.” 

“Our players are looking forward to the trip to Bali for the Indonesia Open in 2009,” said Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour.  “New Kuta Golf has received widespread praise as a championship venue and I believe the players will enjoy their first experience in Bali.” 

“We are pleased that this world class event will once again be held in Indonesia,” said Jero Wacik, Head of the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI), himself a native Balinese. 

“As Bali is home to a number of international class golf courses, we hope this event will help increase people’s awareness of golf as a sport and that this tournament will aid in finding the next generation of golfers in Indonesia.  We will also help prepare our players for some of the most intense competition they will be facing.” 

Mr Wacik, who is also the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism, hopes the tournament will help raise Indonesia’s profile on the world stage. 

He said: “We are beginning to see many international sporting events and tournaments being hosted in Indonesia.  The Balinese people are known to be gracious hosts and I am sure they look forward to welcoming visitors to the Indonesia Open.  The tournament will help showcase to tourists of the many promising leisurely activities they can enjoy while visiting our beautiful country.” 

“We are excited to host this event in Bali, as many people in the world already know its legendary hospitality,” said John Eu, CEO of GlobalOne, the promoter of the Indonesia Open. 

“We hope this new venue will continue to see Indonesia’s amazing performance in the sport as this year an unprecedented four national players made the cut.  I am sure 2009 will see more Indonesian players working hard to compete against some of the very best in the sport, especially coming at the heels of the Johnnie Walker Classic. 

“GlobalOne is very grateful for the commitment of our partners, from the Indonesian Golf Association, the European and Asian Tours, as well as our sponsors, to ensure this tournament continues its tradition. 

“Although it is at a new venue, the Indonesia Open continues to be a benchmark for golf tournaments within the country.  We hope to see many of you there in Bali to catch some exciting golf on the isle of the Gods.” 

Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Indonesia Open has become a world class tournament thanks to the participation of international players such as Chile’s Felipe Aguilar (2008 Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open champion), Finland’s Mikko Ilonen (2007 champion), England’s Simon Dyson (2006 champion) and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant (2005 champion). 

Some of the world’s top players have participated in previous Indonesia Opens, including former Ryder Cup players Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley of Ireland, last year’s runner up Jeev Milka Singh of India, and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee.