Asian Development Tour welcomes four Indonesian events onto the 2023 schedule
The Asian Development Tour (ADT) will return to one of its most popular and regular destinations this year after confirming today that four events in Indonesia have been included on the schedule.
The Indonesia Pro-Am Presented by Combiphar & Nomura – an innovative and exciting new event benefitting from the support of a duo of strong, existing tournament partners – and three established events, the BNI Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament, the OB Golf Invitational and The 2nd Indo Masters Golf Invitational presented by TNE, will be staged mid-season adding to an increasingly expanded schedule.
The first event – which in addition to the individual tournament will feature a Pro-Am competition – will be played at Gunung Geulis Country Club from August 16-18. Total prizemoney will be US$125,000, while there is a pot of US$25,000 for the Pro-Am. The venue’s West and East Courses will be utilised.
The US$125,000 BNI Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament – won last year by impressive Thai golfer Suteepat Prateeptienchai, the 2022 ADT Order of Merit (OOM) winner following a hat-trick of victories – will return to Damai Indah Golf, BSD Course, from 23-26 August. This year will mark the eighth edition of the tournament.
In 2019 Tom Kim, the young Korean star now ranked 22nd on the Official World Golf Ranking, and a two-time winner on the PGA Tour competing in this week’s US Open, claimed the Ciputra event – firing a warning shot to the world of golf that he was coming.
Sutteepat Prateeptienchai, won last year’s Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament and the ADT Order of Merit title. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
The US$70,000 OB Golf Invitational, first played in 2018, will be hosted by Sentul Highlands Golf Club, a new venue for the event, from 6-8 October.
The country’s rising star Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra triumphed in the event last year, helping to launch an outstanding start to his professional career, as he also won the inaugural PIF Saudi Open later in the year, before finishing third on the Final ADT OOM to secure, along with Suteepat, full playing privileges on this year’s Asian Tour – a reward bestowed on the top-10 finishers on the Merit list. The young Indonesian has also been in fine form this season, securing the Singha Phuket Open in May – the ADT’s season-opening event, jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour.
The 2nd Indo Masters Golf Invitational presented by TNE – which, like the Indonesia Pro-Am and OB Golf Invitational, is promoted by OB Golf, the organiser of the country’s most lucrative golf tournament the Indonesian Masters, on the Asian Tour and part of The International Series – completes the four events and will be hosted by Imperial Klub Golf, from 11-13 October. The purse will be US$70,000. Australian Harrison Gilbert lifted the trophy in 2022.
“This is another important announcement for the Asian Development Tour, the Asian Tour’s incredibly important feeder circuit, that continues to flourish and confirm its essential position across our platforms,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour.
Australian Harrison Gilbert pictured after winning last year’s Indo Masters Golf Invitational.
“OB Golf are a long standing and wonderfully supportive partner, and we also thank Ciputra, the Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia, and the respective sponsors and venues for their much-welcomed involvement.
“The addition of a Pro-Am style tournament is also an exciting development that will add another level of excitement and interest in the Tour. Further schedule updates will be announced in due course.”
The next event on the ADT is the inaugural ADT – All Thailand Partnership Trophy, which will be staged at Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club, Mountain/Ocean Course, 6-9 July.
Indonesia’s Naraajie Ramadhan Putra faced down Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat in a close-fought duel at the Singha Laguna Phuket Open yesterday, the pair matching each other shot for shot for most of the round before Naraajie was able to secure an edge in the rain.
Play was stopped twice in the early afternoon and Naraajie was able to press home the advantage, shooting 64 to lead by three strokes on -15. Chapchai was up by two shots on the day at the start of the back nine but double bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes saw him finish with a 68 and solo second on -12.
“I’m really happy with my game this week,” said Naraajie after his round. “Driving and irons have been good, and also the putting. I made a lot of putts inside 12 feet today so I’m pleased with how things are going.”
“It’s been wet today, we had a couple of breaks for rain. It’s playing different than last year, they cut the rough so it’s changed how the course plays but the greens are pretty nice, they are rolling really good.
Chapchai Nirat (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Winner of the OB Golf Invitational and the PIF Saudi Open on the Asian Development Tour last year, Naraajie is looking to build on his success by playing as often as he can around Asia.
“I won two times last year, which meant I got my Asian Tour card this year, but I haven’t played too well so far. I’m planning to play as much as I can this year to try to keep my card.
“I’m hoping for more events in Indonesia for the ADT, and also for the Asian Tour, this year. It’s a benefit for me to play here in Thailand. We had a lot of ADT tournaments last year in Indonesia which helped me to get my status so now I can play more overseas,” he said.
“The ADT events are good for Indonesian golfers as it gives them more opportunity to play against the best players on the Asian Tour and the ADT, it’s good to compete with these guys,” he added.
“This course has a lot of birdie opportunities and there are so many players here who can shoot low tomorrow so I will try hard and hope for the best.”
Poom Saksansin (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Thailand’s Poom Saksansin posted another 66 to match yesterday’s score and sits in third place on -11.
China’s Wocheng Ye and Jack Murdoch of Australia both managed to advance up the leaderboard, with Ye posting the day’s low round with a seven-under-par 63, and Murdoch a 64. They share fourth spot on -10 with the Thai trio of Runchanapong Youprayong, Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Nopparat Panichphol.
Thailand’s Ekpharit Wu and Atiruj Winaicharoenchai share ninth spot on -9, one stroke ahead of compatriots Kosuke Yamamoto and Sirapob Yapala.
The Singha Laguna Phuket Open, which is jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT), offers prize money of THB4 million (approximately US$117,000). The four day event concludes tomorrow (May 28).
Main Picture: Naraajie Ramadhan Putra (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat made a determined assault on the leader board in Round Two of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open today, posting a bogey-free eight under par round to take the lead at -10 going into the weekend.
With four birdies on each side, Chapchai was making the most of a new putter and despite the wind, made sure to stamp his mark on the tournament with a 62.
“Good game for me today,” he said following his round. “Strong wind so it was a bit difficult but my tee shots were good, putting was also good.”
“I have a new putter this week, and it’s feeling great. I needed to change after the International Series Vietnam. My short game was really good there but the putter wasn’t working so I changed and now it feels really good.”
“Tomorrow we will see. Two more days but my game is feeling good so let’s see.”
Naraajie Ramadhan Putra (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Naraajie Ramadhan Putra of Indonesia posted another low round with a five under par 65, building on his first round score of -4 to secure solo second place on -9.
Nirun Sae-ueng of Thailand lies in third spot on -8, followed by a group of -7 in fourth spot, led by Poom Saksansin who also scored a bogey-free round of 66.
“I had a good round today, I did quite well,” Poom said after his round. “There was a lot of wind and it was hot but I just tried to keep it in the fairway and make the putts.
“Putting was OK but I was leaving a lot short. The greens break less than you think and you need to give the putts a little bit more because the greens are a bit slow from the rain this morning.
“Hole seven I thought I did OK, hit two good shots but then missed the putt for birdie, and then on 12, I hit it over the green and thought I was going to drop a shot but ended up holing a long putt for par.
“I’m going to rest and hopefully get a good recovery and then tomorrow try to go low again,” he added.
Poom Saksansin (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Overnight leaders Nopparat Panichphol and Atiruj Winaicharoenchai of Thailand were unable to capitalize on their position today, both posting even par rounds of 70, and together with compatriot Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng complete the group in fourth place.
Joe Heraty of England sits in a group on -6 in eighth place, together with Thai players Jakkanat Inmee, Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij, Ekpharit Wu and Arnond Vongvanij.
And in spite of the strong winds, a sweetly-struck nine iron at the eight hole made it a day to remember for Thailand’s Nutdanai Nuangjaknin who holed out for an ace on the 158-yard par 3.
The Singha Laguna Phuket Open, which is jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT), offers prize money of THB4 million (approximately US$117,000).
Main picture: Chapchai Nirat (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Thailand’s Atiruj Winaicharoenchai took full advantage of his early start in the Laguna Phuket Open today, posting a seven under par 63 in light wind conditions to secure an early clubhouse lead.
However, despite the heavier conditions in the afternoon, countryman Nopparat Panichphol was up to the challenge, opening his round with three birdies to chase down the lead in the rain.
“I made a good start,” said Nopparat after his round. ” It was very windy but I was driving the ball well, hitting the center fairway and getting the ball on the green. The only trouble I had was on the fifth hole when I pushed my drive left and ended up with a bogey.”
“My putting was good today,” he added, “only 27 putts and hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow.”
Nopparat Panichphol (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
“I played pretty good today, happy with the day,” said Atiruj after his round. “Driving, putting and iron play was all good especially the putting. The greens are tricky here and difficult to read, and you have to watch the grain.”
“I’ve played here a few times and I like the course, it was in good condition today. There was a bit of wind, but in the morning not too strong. Wind is picking up though and it might rain later, so I’m happy that I played early,” he added.
“My driving was OK, but I had a lucky break on hole 7. Pulled my drive and it hit the cart path but I was lucky it only landed in the rough and I was able to make birdie.”
Naraajie Ramadhanputra of Indonesia (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
Thailand’s Arnond Vongvanij was another of the afternoon starters to master the weather conditions, posting a bogey free round of 64 to secure solo third place. He edged compatriots Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij and Nirun Sae-Ueng down one spot after their early rounds of five under par. Thailand’s Warun Ieamgaew later joined them in fourth as the day drew to a close.
Indonesia’s Naraajie Ramadhanputra leads a group in seventh place with a four under par 66, joined by Australia’s Jack Murdoch, Joe Heraty of England and the Thai pair of Jakkanat Inmee and Charng-Tai Sudsom.
Fadhli Soetarso of Indonesia, Malaysia’s Paul San and Englishman Matt Killen are the remaining visitors in the top third of the leaderboard on three under, where they are placed with a strong Thailand contingent, including Asian Tour regulars Poom Saksansin, Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Natipong Srithong.
The Singha Laguna Phuket Open, which is jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT), offers prize money of THB4 million (approximately US$117,000).
Main photo: Atiruj Winaicharoenchai of Thailand (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)
The Asian Development Tour (ADT) has whetted the appetite for its 2023 season today by announcing that three tournaments will be jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) – a long-standing partner of the ADT.
Ahead of a full schedule announcement, expected soon, the ADT confirmed that the Singha Laguna Phuket Open, the Singha Pattaya Open and the inaugural ADT – All Thailand Partnership Trophy will feature on both schedules this year, helping to ensure another strong season rich with events for the thriving circuits.
The Phuket event has been jointly sanctioned with the ADT since 2017 and will be played at Laguna Golf Phuket from May 25-28; while this will be the first edition of the Partnership Trophy and will be staged at Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club, Chonburi, from July 6-9.
The Singha Pattaya Open is one of the most established events on the ATGT – won a record four times by Thailand’s Prom Meesawat – but this will mark the first occasion it will be part of the ADT. It will be played from July 13-16, the week after the Partnership Trophy.
Prom Meesawat has won the Singha Pattaya Open four times. Picture by Andrew Redington/Getty Images.
Both the Phuket and Pattaya tournaments will boast prizemoney of THB4 million (approximately US$117,000), while the tournament at Phoenix Gold will offer a purse of THB3 million (approximately US$88,000).
Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour, said: “This a great way to start build up for the 2023 season on the Asian Development Tour. The schedule is taking shape and looks robust, particularly now we are able to re-affirm our mutually beneficial relationship with our friends at the All Thailand Golf Tour.
“The ATGT is arguably the region’s foremost domestic circuit and has launched the careers of some of the greatest players Asia has seen, so being able to co sanction events with them is a boon for all parties involved.”
All three events will feature 144 players, with a minimum of 56 spots plus four invites for members of the ADT.
Last year the ADT was able to stage a total of 17 events boasting overall prizemoney of US$1.762 million.
A little over two years after play stopped on the ADT because of the global pandemic it was finally able to restart at the Gurugram Challenge in India, in March of 2022
After India, which was won by American Dodge Kemmer, the Tour staged four consecutive events on Phuket Island in Thailand, called the ‘Beautiful Swing Thailand’ and jointly sanctioned with the MENA Tour, held six in Indonesia, visited Saudi Arabia for the first time for two ground-breaking tournaments, while Chinese-Taipei, Vietnam and Malaysia all staged one event each.
Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai dominated the season with three masterful victories – the Blue Canyon Open, and the BNI Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament and Combiphar Players Championship, both in Indonesia – to earn a battlefield promotion onto the Asian Tour for the remainder of the season. The last player to achieve that feat was Korean star Joohyung Kim in 2019.
The top-10 players from the final ADT Order of Merit were rewarded with playing privileges for the Asian Tour in 2023 – previously seven players earned their cards.
In addition to Suteepat, the others to make it through were: Thailand’s Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (2nd), Indonesia’s Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra (3rd), Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin (4th), China’s Chen Guxin (5th), Thailand’s Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (6th), Lloyd Jefferson Go (7th) of the Philippines, American Dodge Kemmer (8th), Australian Harrison Gilbert (9th) and Thailand’s Denwit Boriboonsub (10th).
Main picture is of Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij winning the 2018 Singha Laguna Phuket Open.
Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao sealed a commanding five-stroke victory at the Taifong Golf Club for his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title and first since 2013 at the season-ending Taifong Open on Christmas day Sunday.
Entering the final round with a six-shot advantage, Hung’s spot at the top was barely threatened as he traded three birdies against four bogeys to close with a one-over-par 73 and a winning total of 11-under-par 277.
Thai talent Suteepat Prateeptienchai showed his worth once again by putting on a superb Sunday charge as he signed for a 68 to finish in second place with playing partner Joe Heraty of England, who returned a 69, in the US$200,000 ADT event.
Suteepat, who led the money list heading into this week, successfully became the third Thai, following Pavit Tangkamolprasert (2014) and Pannakorn Uthaipas (2017), to lift the ADT Order of Merit crown and earn his Asian Tour card for 2023.
Hung, who first won on the ADT in 2013, was victorious at the Taifong Open in 2020 when it was held only on the domestic circuit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His victory at the Taifong Golf Club today would mark his fourth win on home soil this year.
“I’m happy to clinch another win before the year ends. I saw my daughter on a video call my dad set up on the 18th green after I finished and I’m just happy that we can all go for our holiday in Japan tomorrow. It’s been a good year and it’s now time for a good break.
“I look forward to return to the Asian Tour next season and continue my chase for that first win outside of home. You need a bit of luck to win tournaments, but I’ll continue to work hard and do my best, hopefully better results await in 2023,” said the 30-year-old Hung, who took home a winner’s prize purse of US$35,000.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand – 2022 ADT Order of Merit champion
Suteepat’s joint runner-up result earned him a cheque of US$18,500 and brought his season’s haul to US$86,448. The 28-year-old Thai capped a solid season this year, thanks to three victories and six top-10 finishes.
“I felt relieved after making the cut. I knew I will most likely win the Order of Merit title so that took some pressure off me. After starting with that chip-in eagle on first, I gained some momentum and made two more birdies in the next four holes. I thought I might have a chance at winning today but unfortunately, the putts didn’t drop on the way home.
“Still happy with a joint runner-up finish. It’s been a great season. I didn’t expect this at all. The first win gave me a lot of confidence and I managed to build on that. I have a lot of friends playing on the Asian Tour, so I look forward to 2023. It’s going to be a lot tougher, but I am excited and can’t wait to tee off for my first event in Oman,” said Suteepat.
Despite failing to grab one of the 10 Asian Tour cards on offer on the ADT, Heraty took the positives as he ended the year by capping his best finish on Tour this season.
“Happy with the result today. The conditions were not as windy as the last few days. I’m glad I took advantage of that. Although I missed out on finishing inside top-10 on the Order of Merit, I’m happy to gain direct entry to final stage of the Qualifying School,” said Heraty, who moved up 30 spots to 13th place on the money list following his tied-second place finish.
The top-10 finishers on the 2022 ADT Order of Merit, following the conclusion of the Taifong Open, have earned playing rights on the Asian Tour in 2023.
Apart from Suteepat, the other nine players are Thailand’s Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (2nd), Indonesia’s Naraajie E. Ramadhanputra (3rd), Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin (4th), China’s Chen Guxin (5th), Thailand’s Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (6th), Lloyd Jefferson Go (7th) of the Philippines, American Dodge Kemmer (8th), Australian Harrison Gilbert (9th) and Thailand’s Denwit Boriboonsub (10th).
Ends.
Overnight leader Hung Chien-yao extended his advantage at the top to six shots after carding a brilliant six-under-par 66 to put himself in prime position for a second Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory following the penultimate round of the US$200,000 Taifong Open on Saturday.
Hung, who claimed the 2020 Taifong Open with a record-breaking victory on his domestic circuit, set the course alight again when he fired an eagle and eight birdies against a double-bogey and two bogeys for a three-day total of 12-under-par 204 at the Taifong Golf Club.
He set the biggest winning margin in the tournament’s history with his commanding nine-stroke win two years ago and his winning total of 19-under-par 269 then was also the lowest so far.
Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei and Suteepat Prateeptienchai (right) of Thailand
“I must thank my playing partner Suteepat (Prateeptienchai) today. We chatted a lot and he made me feel very comfortable out there. I am happy to make a new friend! He’s likely to win the ADT Order of Merit so I am very happy for him. I look forward to playing and practising with him on the Asian Tour next year,” said Hung.
The 30-year-old Hung, who has won three titles in 10 starts on his domestic circuit this year, successfully retained his playing rights on the Asian Tour for 2023 after ending his season in 59th place on the Order of Merit.
“I just want to do my best out there tomorrow and focus on every shot I hit. I hit some good shots today too and I guess I was lucky as well. Made some mistakes today, Suteepat and I both hit it out of bounds on the 14th and I bogeyed the next hole too.
“I’m just competing against myself tomorrow. I can accept bogeys because mistakes are bound to happen, but I can’t accept double bogeys as those are caused by wayward drives. I will need to take note of that tomorrow. I really wasn’t thinking about the scores today and I think that helped,” added Hung, who has won once before on the ADT, in 2013.
Lee Chieh-po of Chinese Taipei
Defending champion Lee Chieh-po of Chinese Taipei complained of poor iron-play as he returned a 70 to sit in second place. His countryman Kevin Yu, a PGA TOUR player, battled to a 72 to trail eight shots off the pace in third on 212.
“I am very disappointed with my iron-play. I gave myself good opportunities to attack the pins but I didn’t take advantage of them. Disappointing to not close the gap on the leader but I’m going to work on it later and see how it goes tomorrow,” said the 28-year-old Lee.
ADT Order of Merit leader Suteepat, a three-time winner this season, slipped to a share of fifth on 214 after stumbling with a disappointing 75.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand
The winner of the Taifong Open, which is celebrating its seventh edition on the ADT this week, will take home a prize purse of US$35,000. The popular event returned to the ADT for its seventh edition this week.
The top-10 finishers on the final Merit list after completion of play on Sunday will secure their Asian Tour cards for the 2023 season.
Photos courtesy of Chung500
Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao reignited his love affair with the Taifong Golf Club by firing a solid five-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the US$200,000 Taifong Open on Friday.
Hung, a winner on the Asian Development Tour in 2013 who has been playing mainly on the Asian Tour since, took advantage of the calmer conditions in the morning to fire eight birdies against three bogeys for a two-day total of six-under-par 138.
Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei
The 30-year-old claimed a commanding nine-stroke victory when he won this event at the same venue in 2020. That year it was held only on his domestic circuit and not on the ADT due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The greens are still rolling fast today although it was less windy out there. The pin positions are harder, but I gave myself a lot of opportunities. This week, I feel really relaxed. I’m just looking forward to taking my daughter to Japan for a short getaway next week.
“I’ve been playing consistently these two days. Nothing special. My iron shots were pretty accurate, and I guess that explains the eight birdies today. Made some adjustments before coming here this week so I’m feeling good with the game right now,” Hung said.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand
ADT Order of Merit leader Suteepat Prateeptienchai edged closer to sealing the Merit crown when he battled to a 70 to sit in solo second place in the 2022 ADT season finale, which is the joint richest event on the schedule this season.
“The pin positions are tougher today. But not much wind this morning. It’s not a good day for me but my score is still fine. I told myself to just make par on every hole, birdie is bonus,” said the 29-year-old.
Local hotshot Lee Chieh-po, the defending champion, lamented a disappointing quadruple seven on the 15th hole that was caused by two lost balls but took pride in the way he bounced back to stay in contention.
“Just one bad hole today. I hung in there and managed to convert a lot of birdies,” said Lee, who amassed only 23 putts in his round of 70.
Lee Chieh-po of Chinese Taipei
Lee sits two shots off the pace in third alongside compatriot Kevin Yu on matching 140s. A former Asian amateur star and current PGA TOUR player, Yu caught fire when he nailed four straight birdies and an eagle to take the lead briefly before slipping with a triple-bogey and a bogey in his last four holes for a 69.
The shot of the day belonged to Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yi-tseng who aced the eighth hole with a seven iron from 171 yards. He won himself a cash prize of NTD100,000 (approximately US$3,254) that was on offer to the first player to ace the hole in the tournament.
Huang Yi-tseng of Chinese Taipei
A total of 56 players survived the halfway cut set at five-over-par 149 at the Taifong Open, which is celebrating its seventh edition on the ADT this week.
The top-10 finishers on the final Merit list after completion of play on Sunday will secure their Asian Tour cards for the 2023 season.
Ends.
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