Indonesia pins hopes on Rory at Bali golf // Wed, 10 Dec 08
Indonesia has placed its hopes in golf sensation Rory Hie to shine at the US$1.25 million Indonesia Open golf tournament, which will be held for the first time outside of Jakarta at Dreamland-New Kuta Golf Resort in Badung, Bali, from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1 next year.
“We are glad that we have Rory now. I am confident that fifth place will be within his reach in the tournament,” Indonesian Golf Association secretary-general Zaenal Soedjais told reporters during a press conference Thursday.
Rory, who previously held a world amateur ranking of four, turned pro last month.
The 20-year-old has spent his last nine years in the United States where he won several titles, including the 2008 Southern Highlands Intercollegiate, the 2008 U.S. Stanford Intercollegiate and the 2007 USC Invitational tournament.
Rory announced his arrival among the elite world of pro golf with victory at the Mercedes-Benz tour at Imperial Golf Club in Karawaci, Tangerang, last month.
“It was an achievement that he could win on the Karawaci course, which is considered tricky by many golfers,” said Zaenal, adding that the course was known for strong winds and tough greens.
Zaenal said his association would field seven pro players and six amateur golfers at the Bali event.
“We will announce the names of the golfers mid-January next year,” he said.
The organizers of the tournament have said defending champion Felipe Aguillar of Chile and Asian Tour Order of Merit runner-up Jeev Milkha Singh of India are expected to play in the event, which is jointly held by PGA European Tour and PGA Asian Tour.
Asian Tour director David Parkins said top golfers confirmed to play in the tournament would be announced within two weeks.
“Bali offers beautiful scenery and a challenging golf course. Hopefully, more golfers will be interested in coming,” Parkins said.