With a total prize pool of US$ 1.5 million, the BNI Indonesian Masters did not lose its competitive aura even though the event, which was held at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club (RJGC), had to be postponed due to rain.

Hamamoto’s and Schietekat’s progress sparked a thrilling movement. Though Hamamoto had dropped to 4th place, he got up and was back in the lead. While he maintained the position, Schietekat stuck close again, until they both packed 6 under 66 strokes at the end of the first round, sharing the lead in leading the initial tour title, which will end on Sunday, Nov. 12.

“Nothing special. I'm just trying to focus on returning to a normal game without thinking about the score. I enjoy the game,” said Hamamoto, who is currently ranked 569th in the world.

Hamamoto also revealed that five months ago, he had problems with his mental condition, which caused his run to be chaotic. Luckily, he kept honing his shots, which was also the reason why in his second participation in the BNI Indonesian Masters, he avoided mental stress in order to maximize his strokes.

Hamamoto shared a tip, especially with fellow young golfers, that there is no need to think too much about results. You can have your targets, but you have to be aware of the fact that competing in golf sometimes makes the game erratic. This causes the golfer, who was born on April 5, 1999, to be reluctant to set a target.

“Golf is like life, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down. So, practice improving the short game and enjoy the game," Hamamoto said.

Kevin Akbar Leads Indonesia

From the side of Indonesian contestants, Kevin Akbar currently ranks 11th alongside six foreign golfers. The 24-year-old Kevin recorded 3 under 69, as well as leading among his fellow local competitors. He admitted that he performed with the objective of avoiding mental pressure so that he could maximize his strokes.

“So I just play patiently, and most importantly always enjoy the game. If you think about world-class tour conditions and competitors who have more achievements and experience, it can make you feel pressured,” Kevin said shortly after finishing his game.

Ahead of the second round, Kevin tried to maintain his comfortable game. He has no special preparation, but the important thing is to focus on making the best shots. Always communicate with the caddy while joking.

One thing is sure, Kevin wanted to perform better, as he once scored 5 under when he played at RJGC. He also hopes that he can hit his best shots during the second round. However, Kevin doesn't want to be burdened. He also just wants to restore his energy and focus on playing well.

Elki Kow follows at 2 under 70 and is in 17th place with 12 other golfers. Meanwhile, Jonathan Hartono, who has just finished 7 holes with 1 under, is in 30th place along with 23 other participants, including Danny Masrin who has completed 11 holes with 1 under.

Round 1 delayed due to rain

The match at the BNI Indonesian Masters 2022 was delayed by rain at 14:22 WIB. At that time, golfers who tee off the afternoon session were still ongoing, with the session showing exciting progress.

The golfers' competition resumed at 16:15 WIB, but approximately 30 minutes later in the game, the weather in the RJGC area worsened again which caused the golfers' competition, which teed off at noon, to resume on Friday, Dec. 12 morning.

While the game was postponed, the top 2 positions did not change. Mathiam Kesner finished 13 of his 18 holes, with 47 strokes and 5 under. The South African golfer currently ranks 3rd with Ahlawat Veer from India with 5 under 67.

Notable names like Lee Westwood have completed 10 holes. The 2012, 2013 and 2015 Indonesian Masters champion reaped 43 strokes or 3 overs. Meanwhile, Jazz Janewattanond from Thailand, who won the 2019 event, finished the 10th hole at 1 under 39.

Throughout its history since 2011, the Indonesian Masters has hosted a champion with the highest record in 2017, when English golfer Justin Rose scored 29 strokes under par 259. The margin of advantage is high at 8 strokes over Khongwatmai, the runner up from Thailand who recorded -21 par 267 strokes.