The battle lines are drawn for the third edition of the Professional Golf of Malaysia Tour - Indonesian Golf Tour Championship’s Ryder Cupstyle event on August 1-3. All indications show the friendly rivalry between the two geographical neighbours is intensifying.
After Malaysia won the Individual and Team category at Kota Seriemas Golf & Country Club at the inaugural event, Indonesia turned the tables on home turf when the event switched to match play for its second edition. With one win to each team, the third event of the annual tournament is set to become a fierce battleground. Lessons learned by both teams are expected to pitch strategy versus strategy, but in the end, it is execution that will count.
Pairings for the first two formats have to capitalise on individual player strengths (a player may excel in long hitting, while his partner may be good with the short game: approach shots and putting). Pairings also have to take into account compatibility and ability to see eye-to-eye in deciding the kind shots to be played. This is where it is imperative for team captains to gel partnerships together and work on strategy. Heading up the Malaysian team, is M.
Ramayah, a seasoned veteran, who was among the leading golf stars in the 70s and 80s. The PGM has selected him to take on the role of non-playing captain this year. Learning from last year’s experience, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, PGM Chairman, admitted that choosing a captain from among the players had proven to be a bad idea because he was caught between his own game and the games of his team.
