Contributed by Nadia Daeng
(Photo courtesy of Nadia Daeng)
Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 — Singapore favourite Mardan Mamat today confirmed his seat at the region’s first ever PGA Tour-sanctioned golf tournament — the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia –- when he beat a field of 24 at the Invitational Regional Qualifier that ended here this afternoon.
“I played good today. I’m quite happy with my performance. I feel good about the opportunity to play for Singapore this October. Every time you get a chance to represent your country, it makes the experience all the more nicer to play,” said Mardan Mamat.
Mardan carded a total of 138 over two days to earn the win against players from across Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. With the win, Mardan is the second confirmed player at the upcoming CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia. The first confirmed player — Mohd Shaaban Hussin from Malaysia — earned his spot at the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia-National Qualifier that was held last month.
The first tournament sanctioned by the PGA Tour in Southeast Asia, the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia, will be held from October 28th to 31st at the Mines Resort & Golf Club.
“We are very proud of the performance that we saw from Mardan Mamat. He has done his country proud and we look forward to his continuing success as he carries our national pride into the region’s first event of its kind — the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia — later this year. Golf is set to reach new heights through this tournament and we are very pleased to be among the 40 who will make it happen,” said Madasamy Murugiah from Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association.
The disappointment from the region’s best was palpable even as they celebrated their fellow professional’s win.
“Disappointing for me today. I just didn’t play very well but nonetheless I am very happy for Mardan to see him go ahead and battle for us on behalf of Singapore and Asia. I think the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia is an excellent opportunity to give exposure to the golfers in this region. More than anything, I am excited for the event,” said Lam Chih Bing. He came in second with a score of 140 behind Mardan Mamat.
The CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia–Invitational Regional Qualifier is supported by the Persatuan Golf Professional Indonesia or PGPI (Professional Golf Association of Indonesia), the Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association, and the Professional Golf Association of Thailand. It ran from July 5th to 6th at the Emeralda Golf Club in Jakarta, Indonesia.
This closed 36-hole stroke play tournament saw 24 playing professionals from Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand competing over a two-day period. There was no cut and the winner secured a guaranteed spot at the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia from October 28th to 31st.
The CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour, the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM). In its inaugural year, it will feature an international field of 40 players competing for a USD 6 million prize purse, with the winner taking home a prize purse of USD 1 million.
The top 25 available players from the PGA Tour’s final FedExCup standings will qualify for the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia. The top 10 players from the current Asian Tour Order of Merit and five players under sponsor exemptions will join them to complete one of the strongest playing fields in Asia’s golf tournament circuit.
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