Earthquake And Lightning Stops Play At Indonesian Masters

Play was suspended just after 3 o'clock local time, due to lightning threats and an earthquake

Golf balls rest in a puddle
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
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Play at the Indonesian Masters was suspended for the day on Saturday, with the threat of lightning a persistent pain throughout the afternoon of the third round. Not only was there a threat of lightning but, not long after play was suspended, a magnitude earthquake registering 6.4 hit West Java.

In a tweet by Lee Westwood, the 49-year-old wrote "Ok. We just had an earthquake. @IndoMasters #jakarta @asiantourgolf", with it being reported by Reuters that "A magnitude 6.4 quake hit Indonesia's West Java area on Saturday at a depth of 118 km (73 miles), sending people running out of buildings, the country's geophysics agency BMKG said."

It is reported that the quake had no tsunami potential and was felt in the capital Jakarta, over 280 km (175 miles) from the epicentre. The event is being played at Royale Jakarta Golf Club, which is not far from the centre of the capital. There were no immediate reports of damage.

Before play was suspended, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut had moved to the top of the leaderboard on 15 under, with the 24-year-old completing 14 holes before lightning stopped play for the day at 3.09pm local time.

Suwannarut's fellow countryman, Kosuke Hamamoto, sits two behind with three holes left to complete, while LIV golfer, Graeme McDowell, is three back with two remaining.

Organisers are hoping that play will get underway on Sunday morning at 6.45am, with the Asian Tour's Order of Merit to be decided, as well as the International Series' Order of Merit.

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Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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