Jakarta, Indonesia: Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Chairman Taimur Hassan Amin has hailed the launch of the region’s inaugural Mid-Amateur Championship.

The first edition of the APGC Mid-Amateur will tee-off at the Gading Raya Golf Club tomorrow with a 76-strong field made up of players from 11 countries.

Speaking at the Welcome Cocktail party, Amin said: “For many years, the APGC has annually staged championships for juniors, seniors and elite amateurs. We have been toying with the idea to cover the mid-range and with the support of the Indonesia Golf Association we’re excited to now be able to add this new championship to our regular schedule of events.

“With the launch of the Mid-Amateur, we are now proud to be able to say that we are catering to golfers of all ages and levels across our region.

“The hope and intention of the APGC is to grow the Mid-Amateur into a major event on the annual golfing calendar. To that end, we’re already looking at various outstanding venues as potential hosts for next year when we’ll hopefully be introducing a ladies’ category.”

Among the VIPs in attendance at the welcome function were APGC Board member Nishi Yoshihiro, Suharsono, Secretary-General of the Indonesia Golf Association and Chairman of the APGC Mid-Am Championship, Johny Rahmat, Chairman of Amateur Golf Indonesia, and Dadi Wiratmo, General Manager at Gading Raya.

“We are honoured to host this prestigious tournament and welcome all players and officials to our beautiful country. We look forward to hosting many more APGC tournaments in Indonesia in the future,” said Suharsono.

As well as strong contingents from Japan, India, Hong Kong and Indonesia, the starting field includes players from Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan and Singapore.

Addressing the participants, Amin said: “What makes APGC tournaments so special is the mix of people and cultures, languages and backgrounds. We all follow the same R&A rules and play the game with the same spirit and a shared love of golf.

“As participants here this week, you are all a part of history. As the APGC Mid-Amateur flourishes in the years ahead, you’ll always be able to say that you competed at the very first one.”