JAKARTA, INDONESIA — Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) today announced it will become title sponsor of the 2016 Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from October 6 to 9.
The full-field US$750,000 Asian Tour tournament will now be called the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich.
Having celebrated its 70th anniversary earlier this year, the leading bank’s decision to support the tournament signals positive changes to come. Working closely with presenting sponsor Zurich, BNI will aim to take advantage of its well established reputation, combined with seven decades of experience in finance and client relationship management, to further elevate the profile of the tournament and create a first class experience for both fans and golfers, encapsulating golf, entertainment and community.
The partnership will complement a new commitment to the Indonesian Golf Tour – a further testament to BNI’s long-term investment in the development of golf, from grassroots to the international stage, in Indonesia.
Already the country’s preeminent golf tournament, the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich has built a reputation over the years for delivering intense competition and grandstand finishes at Royale Jakarta.
Buoyed by BNI’s support, the four-day event will once again welcome the best golfers in Asia as they vie for a share of the US$750,000 prize purse.
Speaking about the new partnership, Achmad Baiquni, President Director of BNI, said: “BNI is proud to be associated with Indonesia’s most prestigious golf tournament. We look forward to working with the tournament organiser to create a truly first class experience for golfers and spectators alike at this year’s BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich.
“Golf is in an exciting place right now in Indonesia and BNI is honoured to be a part of the growth and development that we are experiencing in the game in our country. The partnership further strengthens our commitment to the game and we look forward to showcasing our brand to golf fans at home and abroad.”
Jimmy Masrin, Co-Founder of the Indonesian Masters and Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “We are very pleased to announce this latest partnership with BNI. BNI is an organisation with a rich heritage and a decorated history. It is a partnership that we very much welcome, and together we look forward to supporting the ongoing development of golf in Indonesia, while showcasing the very best of the nation’s capital city to the world.
“Working with BNI and Zurich will certainly enhance the tournament’s ability to connect with audiences both in Indonesia and globally. This partnership will allow the tournament to engage and connect with fans at a greater level than before.”
Speaking on behalf of the Indonesian Golf Tour’s sanctioning body, Johannes Dermawan, Chairman of PGA Tour of Indonesia: “We applaud BNI for its partnership with both the Indonesian Golf Tour as well as its title sponsorship of the Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich. We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious organisation as BNI into the Indonesian golfing fraternity which I have no doubt will play an important role in the future development of the game in our country.”
The BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich has welcomed some of Indonesia and Asia’s brightest professionals and amateurs, including Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thongchai Jaidee, George Gandranata, Rory Hie, Jordan Irawan, Andik Mauludin and Tirto Tamardi. They have gone head-to-head with some of the biggest names in the game including former world number one and last year’s champion Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen and Victor Dubuisson.
The BNI Indonesian Masters Presented by Zurich will be broadcast live across the Asian Tour TV platform, potentially reaching 740 million households in over 180 countries, showcasing the best Indonesia has to offer to a truly global audience.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGATI, the sixth edition of the BNI Indonesian Masters Presented by Zurich will feature 150 players from around the world including the top 20 professionals from the PGA Tour of Indonesia and top four Indonesian amateurs.
