This yearâs Indonesian Masters, the countryâs biggest and most successful international golf tournament, has received unprecedented backing from Indonesian State owned Enterprises company, it was announced today.
In an exciting development, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI),Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Telkom will all back this yearâs tournament as presenting sponsors.
The news comes on the back of the recent announcement that for the first time the tournament will be the prestigious season-ending flagship event on the Asian Tour.
The US$750,000 Indonesian Masters will be played from December 14 to 17, at its traditional home of Royale Jakarta Golf Club, and will be joint-sanctioned with Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Indonesia.
âThe success of last yearâs tournament prompted BNI to renew our relationship with the Indonesian Masters, and we are all excited and expecting one of the most successful editions of the event so far this coming December,â said BNI Managing Director of Consumer Business, Anggoro Eko Cahyo.
âThe Indonesian Masters new dates at the end of the season, making it one of the most important events of the year on the Asian Tour, is also an extremely attractive development that will help contribute to an extra-special week.â
As the winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit will be crowned at the event, and the final standings on the Merit list determined, one of the most gripping and competitive competitions of the season will be played.
âThis is arguably the countryâs leading sporting event and an outstanding platform for Bank Mandiri to get behind,â said Rohan Hafas, Corporate Secretary of Bank Mandiri.
âIt is a world-class event that attracts an international field, with global television coverage and is an ideal property for everyone to support and benefit from.â
Adding to the importance of the tournament is the fact that the Asian Tour Oder of Merit winner will receive an exemption into The Open Championship and the World Golf Championships â Mexico Championship. The runner-up on the Merit list also gets to play in the latter event.
âIt is encouraging to see all state- owned Banks in Indonesia support the Indonesian Masters. And BRI as one of the biggest Banks in Indonesia thrilled to be involved with one of the biggest sporting tournaments in Indonesia in order to provide better experience and entertainment â said Mr. Randi Anto, the Managing Director of Bank BRI.
And Budi Satria, Director of BTN added: âAll eyes will be on the Indonesian Masters in December, an event that will be a marvelous advert for the game and a welcomed world-class event that will do so much to promote Indonesia.â
First played in 2011 the Indonesian Masters has regularly attracted the best players in the world and boasts a list of famous winners.
Englandâs Lee Westwood has won the tournament a record three times, in 2011, 2012 and 2015; while Austrian Bernd Wiesberger triumphed in 2013 and Anirban Lahiri from India in 2014.
Last year, the honor went to Thailandâs Poom Saksansin who cruised to a comfortable five-shot victory for his first win on the Asian Tour.
The Indonesian Master is the highlight of the year on the Indonesian golf calendar and one of the premier events in the region and so Telkom are privileged to be able to lend our support to the tournament,â said Harry Zen Finance Director of Telkom.
âThe event is now in its seventh season, and in that relatively short period of time it has established itself as Indonesiaâs premier golf tournament. Its stature and reputation in Indonesia has led to todayâs great news regarding strong sponsorship support,â said Jimmy Masrin, Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour.
The Indonesian Masters is also the third leg of the Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and Japan – where Asian Tour players can earn a share of a lucrative bonus pool.
With such prizes on offer, the Indonesian Masters will boast one of its strongest ever fields â something that will help to ensure the event receives more Official World Golf Ranking points (OWGR).
The winner of the Indonesian Masters will receive 20 OWGR, greatly enhancing its status as a world-class event. The event is also the last event of the year on any main Tour worldwide with significant OWGR points; so players will be vying for the all-important end of year top-50 placings that gets them into the Majors and other lucrative events.
The Tourâs glamorous Awards Night will also take place in the evening of the final day to reward all the winners of 2017 and help the bring down the curtain on a memorable season.
