Professional panache and amateur enthusiasm will come together once again in the much-anticipated third edition of The Indonesia Pro-Am presented by Combiphar and Nomura – which returns to Gunung Geulis Country Club in Bogor, next week, 10-12 September.

The US$125,000 event is the ninth stop on the 2025 Asian Development Tour (ADT), and will thus provide the thrills and spills that the region’s premier developmental circuit is well-known for. This will be complemented by a concurrent Pro-Am team event, where a professional is paired with an amateur in a best-ball competition for an additional US$25,000 prize purse.

Managed by OB Golf, the 54-hole showpiece will feature 112 professionals and up to a hundred amateurs taking on Gunung Geulis’ East and West courses. 2024 champion Tanapat Pichaikool [main picture] of Thailand is excited about playing in the event again, while enjoying its signature up-tempo atmosphere that includes music amping things up in between starts and during the prize presentation.

“I love everything about the tournament!” said Tanapat – who won by three strokes in last year with a superb 19-under-par total.

“The format is fun and unique, and the most unforgettable moment was the ceremony right after we finished, with the ‘We are the Champions’ song! We are also able to learn from the games and thoughts of the amateur golfers, which gives us another perspective compared to professionals.

Kevin Akbar won the Indonesia Pro-Am in 2023.

“The greens at Gunung Geulis are super challenging and you have to putt well to perform. I was lucky that last year I was able to putt amazingly for all three rounds.”

Tanapat won twice on the ADT last year to finish third on the Order of Merit, securing his Asian Tour card for this season. He has been in solid form recently and is fresh off a top-10 finish at the Asian Tour’s Mandiri Indonesia Open.

“I enjoy playing on the ADT as it’s way more relaxing compared to the Asian Tour. The friendships we make and the fun atmosphere are always things that I treasure. I would love to defend my title. I did defend at the Singha Masters earlier this year on the All Thailand Golf Tour, so I hope to do same thing on the ADT,” he said.

Preceding Tanapat as champion was local star Kevin Akbar, who triumphed by one shot in the inaugural 2023 event for his first professional title.

Michael Wanandi, President Director of Combiphar Group, hopes that Akbar will fly the Indonesian flag high again.

“Since we first got involved in organising ADT tournaments in 2016, we’ve been committed to our mission: ‘Championing a Healthy Tomorrow.’ Combiphar’s big dream in every ADT event has always been to see a local champion rise. That dream finally came true at the debut of The Indonesia Pro-Am Presented by Combiphar and Nomura in 2023, with Kevin Caesario Akbar taking the win,” said Wanandi.

“For us, Kevin’s success is more than just a victory, it’s an inspiration for Indonesian golfers to stay consistent in their pursuit of excellence. Just like we’ve remained committed as a healthcare company, encouraging Indonesians to live healthy and active lifestyles,” he elaborated.

Yohei Akasaki, Managing Director International Wealth Management of Nomura Singapore Limited, stressed that golf is an integral part of their CSR activities.

He explained: “As part of our corporate social responsibility in the field of sports, we are committed to contributing to the development of golf athletes across the region. Through our involvement in the Indonesia Pro-Am, we aim to support the growth of the sport, particularly in Indonesia. Our active participation in ADT events in Indonesia since 2019 reflects our continued dedication to nurturing talent and providing a platform for Asian golfers to progress to the next level. We take pride in being part of the journey and history of emerging golfers in Asia, and we look forward to continuing this support in the years to come.”

In 2023, Akbar teamed up with Gunung Geulis President Director Agung Budiman in the Pro-Am competition. Budiman noted that playing the two courses, both designed by Thomson, Wolveridge and Perret, provides the players with ‘different vibes’.

“Through The Indonesia Pro-Am presented by Combiphar and Nomura, Gunung Geulis always brings fresh challenges and exciting experiences. Players get to enjoy two different vibes as they compete on both the West and East Courses in a single event. It’s the unique twist that makes The Indonesia Pro-Am stand out from other ADT tournaments,” said Budiman.

Ken Kudo, General Manager of the ADT, affirmed the event’s significance as one of the most popular and pivotal events on tour. “Indonesia is one of the favourite destinations for our ADT players, especially The Indonesia Pro-Am presented by Combiphar and Nomura, which is fast becoming an icon of sports and entertainment in the region. With its large prize fund and scheduling in the later part of the season, the championship also plays a huge role in determining who will finish in the top 10 of the final Order of Merit and earn promotion to the Asian Tour in 2026.

“It’s been a privilege and an honour working with OB Golf, Combiphar, Nomura and Gunung Guelis over the last three years, and I look forward to many more years to come.”