With a birdie on the 18th hole, 31 years old Australian Terry Pilkadaris created history in Brunei by winning the Sultanate’s first ever professional golf tournament, the Asian Tour sanctioned Brunei Open 2005 held from 23rd to 26th of June at the fabulous Jack Nicklaus designed Empire Hotel and Country Club golf course.
With a convincing 5 stroke advantage to finish with a 19 under-par 265 winning total after four days of play under perfect weather conditions, Pilkadaris lifted the Brunei Open trophy in front of hundreds of local fans, tournament officials, sponsors, media and dignitaries in an emotionally charged moment for all those who had worked hard to make this tournament a reality.
The culmination of a long negotiating process by the Brunei golfing and tourism authorities and the Asian Tour official body, the USD300,000 tournament was a resounding success, earning high praise from both players and tour officials for the quality of the technically challenging scenic course and the excellent facilities available at the clubhouse and within the resort.
The tournament ended on a high note with the announcement by the Brunei tourism authorities that the tournament will be kept in the yearly calendar of events for at least the next five years, and that the prize money will be nearly doubled to USD500,000 for the Brunei Open 2006.
With four 18-hole golf courses minutes away from each other and the International Airport, and on the strength of the notoriety resulting from the successfully staged Brunei Open 2005, the Sultanate will increase its drive to position itself as one of Asia’s premier golfing destinations, offering not only excellent and crowd free golfing facilities, but also a wholesome, healthy, family friendly and safe environment in which to play, surrounded by the nature and serenity Brunei is famous for.
Brunei Darussalam, a peaceful and wealthy kingdom on the northern shores of Borneo, is known for having one of the most pristine tropical rainforest environments anywhere, as well as for the pomp and opulence of its centuries old monarchy, steeped in ancient Malay traditions.
With easy international direct access through its Royal Brunei Airlines carrier, and with an up-market product and image appealing to discerning travelers, Brunei is an exciting new destination waiting to be discovered.
Brunei Tourism is the Tourism Development Division of Brunei’s Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, in charge of the international promotion and marketing of Brunei as a tourism destination.
For more information on tourism in Brunei, please contact :
Brunei Tourism
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources
Bandar Seri Begawan – BB3910
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Tel : +673 238 28 22 / Fax : +673 238 28 24
Email : info@tourismbrunei.com
Website : www.tourismbrunei.com |