Faldo finds Nirwana at Le Meridien, Winning Bali Invitational

Six-time champion Nick Faldo found Bali island "a beautiful place with nice, genuine people," during the Bali Invitational Tournament-especially after winning the exhibition tournament at six under par (66), over world ranked #2 Ernie Els, who posted 69 Sunday (February 9).

The two-day event at Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort Bali saw clinics, pro-am Texas Scramble with Indonesia's top amateur golfers and an 18-hole shoot-out, with Faldo, Els, world 15th ranked Australian Robert Allenby and  40th ranked Justin Rose of the United Kingdom. They scored 68 and 72 respectively.

The tournament-held to demonstrate that Bali remains a peaceful and attractive tourist destination, despite terrorist bombing attacks in October 2002-offered US$100,000 in prize money that was donated to four Balinese  charities responsible for recovery after the bombings.

Allenby, on his first visit to Bali, said he had heard so much about the island over the years. "I'm here to show Australia that Bali is still a safe and beautiful place to come. This is the "back garden" for Australia and where a lot of Australians have come for a long time." Allenby, who had friends in the unfortunate events of October said "no place in the world is safe today. There could be a bomb anywhere, in America or Australia."

Eels, on his first Bali visit and with his family, concurred. "Everything moves on in life. I have many friends in South Africa who want to come here, and after the bombs they have been concerned. We are here to support Bali tourism on an island that obviously needs tourism to perform. We've had a great time here  and played a little golf. The course is a great design and it's a great resort here." He said, Bali is absolutely beautiful and the hotel is fantastic, so quiet and peaceful. "I'll be back soon!"

Rose found it a treat to "come and relax in beautiful surroundings", and brought his mother to also enjoy the resort. "This is the first opportunity I've had to visit Bali and it was an opportunity I really wanted to take."

The Bali Invitational has all the makings of a pro-golf classic event. It is not only significant for restoration of Bali but for developing the golf industry in Bali, said event organizer Benny Pranata. "The fact that top golfers are willing to come to Bali, some with their families, and be involved in an international event shows that the world still cares about Bali.

The event was initiated by the Minstery of State-Owned Enterprises in collaboration with Chinkara Capital Limited of Singapore, and organized by IMG.