The Indonesia Open will be staged on the holiday isle of Bali in 2009 with an increased prize of US$1.25m.

The highly acclaimed Dream Land-New Kuta Golf Resort will host the national championship for the first time from February 26 to March 1, 2009, said event promoter Global One Chief Executive Officer John Eu.

“We are extremely grateful to the European Tour, Asian Tour and Indonesia Golf Association for endorsing Dream Land-New Kuta Golf Resort as the host venue for 2009,” said Eu.

The Dream Land-New Kuta Golf Resort is situated on the South Western rim of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and the property overlooks the stunning ‘Dream Land’ Balangan Beach and Indian Ocean, probably best known as the best surfing destination in the region.  

The Par-72 championship course measures over 7,500 yards and was designed by Golf Plan, USA (Ronald Fream, David Dale and Kevin Ramsey). It is reputed to be the first ‘links style’ golf course in Indonesia.

Eu added that they would continue to grow the tournament’s prize fund and attract the world’s best players, a commitment made to the Indonesia Golf Association in 2005 in efforts to promote and develop golf in the country.

As the richest sporting event in Indonesia, the Indonesia Open will also provide an opportunity for the country’s top golfers to rub shoulders with the best players from the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Since inspecting the Dream Land-New Kuta development in 2007, Eu said he was pleased with the progress of the golfing facilities and the integration of the ‘Le Grande Suites’, a five-star hotel and service apartments which is already partially opened and will be fully operational by the end of this year.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han welcomed the decision to move the Indonesia Open to Bali.

“The championship has been staged in Jakarta for the past four years and taking the event to Dream Land-New Kuta Golf Resort in Bali in 2009 will further spread the gospel of golf across Indonesia. The Asian Tour fully supports initiatives to move a national championship around a country as it will instil greater interests in the game amongst the masses.

“I would also like to thank the Indonesian government for their continued support towards professional golf in Asia. Their commitment helps drive the growth of the game and we value their support greatly,” said Han.  

Keith Waters, Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to announce a stunning new venue on The European Tour International Schedule and an increased prize fund for the 2009 Indonesia Open. Our thanks, as always, go to tournament promoters Global One, as well as the owners of the New Kuta Golf Resort, whose vision and foresight has produced a magnificent facility in a truly idyllic setting.”