Courses of Action

All over the world, the sport of golf goes beyond the esoteric language of birdies, bogeys and bunkers. Integral to the game are the socializing and hobnobbing,both on the course and back at the 19^th hole. These “valuable links” are particularly important here in Indonesia, where the golfing lifestyle– characterized by networking and prestige – has been raised to a fine art. In recent years, we have even had our first sordid “lust on the links” murder scandal, with two powerful men allegedly vying for the love of acaddie (and, no, neither was named Tiger).

The promotion of the sport is also taking off, with dedicated individuals intent on fostering new talent and hoisting Indonesia to the next level in marketing itselfas golfing competitor and destination. Among them are Jimmy Masrin, the man whose passion for golf in Indonesia has made this April’s Indonesian Masters a much respected event in its second year of existence, and who is profiled in this edition. Another is contributor Dennis Kloeth, a mine of information about the sport and someone who has a fervent commitment to realizing its vast business potential.

Golf is changing with the times, with new technology and hence more powerful hitting, colorful, even loud, fashions and Asian players emerging as a force to be reckoned with. As Kloeth puts it, Indonesia could score its own hole in one by realizing the potential for its golf and hospitality sector to become a big player in Asia. Enjoy the game, or at least the conversation back at the clubhouse.

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