The 10th Jack Nicklaus International Invitational (JNII) concluded with its international final on June 1. The tournament’s ultimate event, won by the two-man team from Indonesia, was played at New Albany Country Club outside of Columbus, Ohio, on the Jack Nicklaus-designed North and East courses.
Known as the Tournament of Champions, the international finals of the JNII bring together the winners of all JNII national tournaments held over the previous 12 months in countries around the world. This year, teams from several countries advanced to play for their countries in the 18-hole international final sponsored by the Nicklaus Companies.
Edwin Abeng and Jayadi from Indonesia won the competition with a net score of 71. The duo played the back nine at 5 under par to surpass the Italian team of Massimo Brandoli and Vanna TIntorri, which posted a net 73. The Philippines’ Yuri Allado and Abe Rosal took third place, three strokes back of the winners.
The JNII is a two-person team competition for recreational players of all skill levels who get to experience competitive golf in a relaxed, social atmosphere that promotes camaraderie and interest in the game. Players who enter national JNII events get to play top courses in tournament-like conditions and a chance to win great prizes, including an expenses-paid VIP trip to play for their country in the Tournament of Champions.
This year’s festivities at the Tournament of Champions began with the Champions Dinner at the Jack Nicklaus Museum on the campus of The Ohio State University, where the players were awarded the Golden Bear Champions Blazer for winning their national championship. It was followed with golf at New Albany Country Club. The week culminated with a VIP experience at the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, including a meet-and-greet with tournament host and founder Jack Nicklaus.
Playing for Italy, Vanna Tintorri said, “This was an incredible experience. I feel like I am Alice in Wonderland. You are my hero. Thank you very much.”
National tournaments for the 11th Jack Nicklaus International Invitational begin in select countries around the world in mid-2016. The Tournament of Champions international final is scheduled for late
May 2017. Again, JNII events are open to recreational golfers of all skill levels. For additional information, visit jniigolf.com, and follow the action on social media (facebook.com/JNIIGolf and Twitter (@jniigolf).
The Nicklaus Companies produces and markets luxury lifestyle and consumer products for men and women under the Jack Nicklaus®, Nicklaus® and Golden Bear® brands. It is the global sponsor of the Jack Nicklaus International Invitational. For additional information about the Nicklaus Companies, visit nicklaus.com.
