Ancora Pro Series – Matoa National Golf Club

Rory shot 5-under (67) on the first day of the Ancora Pro Series tournament, held at Matoa National Golf Club from February 23 to 25, 2010.

Rory Eyes Successful 2010 With New Focus, Backing

From JakartaGlobe.com:

The Year of the Tiger looks promising for Rory Hidayat Hie as he tries to jump-start his career.

Rory was chosen as the Mercedes-Benz Indonesia ambassador, and he will serve in his new capacity for one year.

The 21-year-old golfer said the support gave him motivation.

“I’m very excited to be chosen as Mercedes-Benz Indonesia’s ambassador. It will definitely push me to the limit and to play harder,” he said on Monday.

As a brand ambassador, Rory will play in all the Mercedes-Benz Series events on the Asean Tour. Company chief executive Rudi Borgenheimer said the move was part of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to develop golf in Indonesia.

“We are committed to supporting young Indonesian golfers, and I think Rory is the biggest talent in Indonesia,” Borgenheimer said.

Gaining such support could open up a new chapter for Rory, who finished 2009 without a tournament victory in his first year on the Asian Tour.

He struggled with physical problems during the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational and the Mercedes-Benz Series. He had problems with his eyes and planned to undergo Lasik surgery, but he decided against the move after consulting with his doctor.

“I didn’t do the Lasik surgery as my doctor said my pupils were too big. He told me I could use contact lenses again after a certain amount of time,” Rory said.

When he was healthy, Rory put forth a solid showing at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open. He finished in an 11-way tie for 32nd place at the New Kuta Golf and Ocean Resort in Bali, winning $8,909 in prize money. The only one of 13 Indonesian entries to make the cut, he opened with a two-under 70 before shooting three rounds of even-par 72.

Rory’s first event of 2010 begins today at the Emeralda Mercedes-Benz Tournament at Emeralda Golf Club in Depok.

The tournament is being held in conjunction with the club’s 15th anniversary.

The professionals will compete for honors today and Wednesday, while Thursday brings a pro-am tournament. Organizers have provided Rp 150 million ($16,000) in prize money.

“The prize money is taken from members’ green fees. We took Rp 5,000 from each member, and we will give the money back to local professional golfers,” Emerelda chairman Wahyu Affandi Harun said. “We do it as we’re very concerned about the fact that most [Indonesian] professional golfers are barely able to support themselves.” Golf