Praise for Queen Sirikit Cup Hosts

Bogor, Indonesia: Organisers and host venue have been widely praised for their roles in the successful staging of the 46th Queen Sirikit Cup.

In a thrilling finale at Sentul Highlands Golf Club, the talented Japanese trio of Ai Goto, Anna Iwanaga and Yurina Hiroyoshi held off a dramatic late challenge from defending champions Korea to eke out a one-stroke victory.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Chairman Philip Hassall highlighted the contributions of The R&A, the Indonesia Golf Association (IGA) and Sentul Highlands Golf Club.

Hassall said: “On behalf of the APGC, I’d like to express our sincere appreciation to The R&A and the IGA, especially the organising chair Netty Hariadi for the excellent work, the careful leadership and making this event a success.

“The Sentul Highlands Golf Club has done everything possible with the fantastic preparation of the course and all the facilities to make this a memorable event. The APGC wants to extend its heartfelt thanks also to players and managers for your participation, focus and sportsmanship. Your commitment to the game and the spirit of the Queen Sirikit Cup is truly very special.”

Saori Iwamoto, non-playing captain and coach of the Japan team, said: “Thanks to The R&A, the APGC and the Indonesia Golf Association for such a wonderful week and to Sentul Highlands Golf Club for preparing the course is such great condition and all the staff and members who have supported the tournament. We are very grateful for the chance to play in this historic tournament.”

Her players all addressed the dignitaries.

Goto, edged out by Korean Kim Gyu-been for the individual title at the second hole of a sudden-death play-off, said: “Thank you very much for hosting this tournament. Although I lost in the play-off for the individual, I’m glad that we were able to win the team competition.”

Iwanaga expressed similar sentiments, leaving it to Hiroyoshi to deliver the most memorable line of the ceremony when she said: “The Nasi Goreng was very delicious!”

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony concluded with the passing of the Queen Sirikit Cup flag from this year’s host association to a representative from the next year hosts, in this case India.

Vandana Agarwal, Captain of the Indian team, said: “On behalf of all the captains, players and delegates I thank you for the warm hospitality and impeccable organisation that made this week truly memorable. We leave with wonderful memories and deep appreciation for everyone who contributed to making this event a grand success. My sincere thanks to Netty Hariadi, chairwoman of the 46th Queen Sirikit Cup Committee.

“On behalf of the President of the Indian Golf Union it is my honour and privilege to welcome the leading lady amateur golfers from the Asia-Pacific region to India for the 47th Queen Sirikit Cup in New Delhi next April.”