Welcome Guest   |  Login   |   Signup
JG Logo
Fri, February 10, 2012
Archive Search

Indonesia Open Saddled With Uncertain Future
Wimbo Satwiko | March 08, 2010

Share This Page
0
0
0
0
Share with google+ :


Post a comment
Please login to post comment

Comments

Be the first to write your opinion!

Once hailed as the richest sporting event in Indonesia, the future of the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open remains uncertain.

The annual $1.25 million tournament, which has been co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour since 2005, is usually held in February.

However, event promoter Global One and the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI) have yet to announce a date and venue for this year’s edition.

PGI spokesman Koko Arto said the association urged the tournament promoter to hold the event in February but Global One wanted to reschedule it.

“Of course we wanted the event to be held this year in its traditional date of February, but the promoter wasn’t ready and tried to reschedule it,” Koko said on Monday.

Koko also said the European Tour’s 2010 calendar was already full while the Asian Tour had several empty slots in March, May, November and December.

“It will be hard to find a date that suit both tours,” he said.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee won the 2009 tournament, which took place on Bali for the first time. The New Kuta and Ocean View Resort hosted the event from Feb. 26 to March 1.

The promoter and PGI had a meeting earlier this month before the Chinese New Year, and Global One representative Vincent Wong said the event was on its way.

“We met with PGI chairman Arifin Panigoro on February, and I can confirm that the event will be on. We have yet to decide on the exact date, but it will be held in July or September,” he said.

Wong added there was a possibility the tournament would be back in Jakarta, although he was reluctant to explain why.

“We have another meeting with PGI later this month, and after that they will disclose the details,” he said.

July could be a difficult month as it is a busy time for the European Tour. The Alstom Open de France is scheduled for July 1-4, followed by the Barclays Scottish Open on July 8-11. The 139th Open Championship at legendary St. Andrews on July 15-18 heads the July calendar. The Omega European Masters is the headline tournament in September, and both tours have packed schedules in September.

Koko said the PGI was still waiting for a firm offer from the promoter and insisted the tournament must to be co-sanctioned by both tours.

“We have a contract with Global One until 2012. Now,we’re waiting for their confirmation on the exact date and the event’s platform,” he said.

“We want the event to be held with a high standard. It should at least have the same standard as the previous event. If they can meet our requirements, then we may hold the event.”