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World’s
Top Professional Golfers Tee Off For Bali’s
Recovery
JAKARTA,
January 22, 2003 – “International golf has made a comeback in
Indonesia,” announced Benny Pranata, a member of the Organizing
Committee of the Bali Invitational, at Senayan Golf Club in Jakarta today
during the launch of the Bali Invitational golf tournament. The
Bali Invitational is the initiative of the Indonesian Ministry of
State-Owned Enterprises in collaboration with Chinkara Capital Limited
from Singapore. IMG was appointed to organize the
event, which will kick off at the Nirwana Bali Golf Club on the weekend of
February 8-9, 2003. The tournament has attracted four of the world’s top
professional golfers to play Indonesia’s leading amateur players during
the Pro-Am tournament on Saturday. The US$100,000 prize money from
Sunday’s 18-hole Strokeplay Invitational between the professional
players will be donated to four charities directly responsible for the
recovery of Bali after the October 2002 bombing. Avie Utomo, the Executive Chairman of the Indonesian Professional Golf Association, stated, “We are pleased to be involved in this event as it is significant not only for Bali’s recovery but also for the development of the golfing industry in Indonesia; particularly in Bali, which was deeply affected by the bombing tragedy.” Mr.
Utomo added, “This event signifies that top international golfers are
concerned about the welfare of Bali and are willing to visit the island
for international-level events. Bali has long been the display window of
Indonesia and we are pleased that the island is returning to its former
glory.” …/2 Media Release, World’s Top Professional… January 22, 2003 Page 2 of 3 The
four international players who will participate in the Bali Invitational
include Ernie Els, currently the world’s #2 golfer and winner of the
first two events of the 2003 US PGA Tour; Nick Faldo, a six-time major
winner; and Robert Allenby, Australia’s #1 golfer in the current world
rankings. With regards to the 4th player, IMG’s Director
of Golf Robbie Henchman stated, “We are still in negotiations with
several top ranking golf professionals who will be in the Asia-Pacific
region at that time and we hope to confirm the final Bali Invitational
participant in the next few days.” When asked about his participation in the Bali Invitational following his back-to-back victories in Hawaii this past Sunday, Els responded, “I have had a wonderful start to the year and what better way to share my success than to travel to Bali and play in a tournament which benefits such a worthy cause. I am thoroughly looking forward to spending some time in Bali with my family and competing with Nick and Robert Mr.
Pranata commented, “The significance of the Bali Invitational goes far
beyond the fact that it has attracted such high caliber golfers. This is
in fact the first international golf tournament to be held in Indonesia
since the economic crisis in 1997. We trust that this indicates the
beginning of a new era of recovery for not only Bali, but all of
Indonesia.”
Rafat
Ali Rizvi, the Managing Director of Chinkara, said, “Chinkara Capital
Limited is pleased to be a part of the Bali Invitational. We join the
rest of Indonesia in supporting Bali and her people, and are
confident that this event will attract wide support and goodwill for Bali,
both from within Asia and the rest of the world.” The
2-day Bali Invitational will include one day on which amateur golfers in
Indonesia will have the chance to receive tips from the pros during a
morning golf clinic on Saturday, February 8. This will be followed by a
Pro-Am tournament when approximately 72 amateur golfers will play 18 holes
with the professionals to hone their skills. The winners of the Pro-Am
tournament will be announced during a Gala Dinner that evening. …/3 Media Release, World’s Top Professional… January 22, 2003 Page 3 of 3 The highlight of the weekend will come on Sunday, February 9, when the
four international golfers will play an 18-hole Strokeplay Invitational
for a prize purse of US$100,000: the winner receiving US$50,000 Boilerplate of NirwanaNirwana Bali Golf Club is a members resort club located just a half-hour’s drive from Kuta. The course is within easy distance of the famous temple of Tanah Lot in Ubud as well as Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, and reflects the natural beauty, spirituality, and rich culture of Bali. The 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Greg Norman for the enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels. Boilerplate of IMGIMG is the world’s largest,
most diverse and only truly global company dedicated to the marketing and
management of sport, leisure, and lifestyle. IMG is represented by 85
offices in 33 countries with a staff of almost 3,000 people. IMG
represents athletes, performing artists, writers, fashion models,
broadcasters, leading corporations, world-class events, cultural
institutions, and recreational resorts. Every day of the year, IMG is
involved in an average of nine major events around the world. IMG’s
operations also include representative offices, sports academies, and IMG-managed
real estate facilities. - ends - For
further information: Issued by: Indo Pacific Reputation Management
Consultants Dhyoti R. BasukiTel: (62-21) 781-2436 Fax:
(62-21) 781-2423 E-mail:
dottie@indopacificpr.co.id ipprjkt@indopacificpr.co.id On behalf of: IMG Maya Hidayat Tel: (62-21) 526-8038 Fax:
(62-21) 526-8039 E-mail:
mhidajat@imgworld.com Ref.741/10/3/IMG-MedRelJan2203#2.doc |