The ClubHouse Aug 2011 by The ClubHouse

BEING DIFFERENT “How different can you be?”

THE TEAM

It has been both a mental challenge and pleasure, to repeatedly answer this question on countless occasions over the last couple of months. “Get it out of the system” has been our mantra, and I hope if you had not been convinced by our answers, the first volume of The ClubHouse Magazine you’re currently reading will do just that.

Chief Golf Writer Edward Saminathan Sub-Editors Lina Abdul Wahab, Khalidah Jamil Evelyn Gan Contributors Justin Moss, Normas Yakin, Scott Kramer, Shaun Moulds Official Photographer T. Ravi Chitty Brand Manager B.N. Murali Art Director Siva Yoham Jalaguvalan Operations Associate Puteri Nadia Azman The ClubHouse Magazine is published by

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Contact Us A-3-1 Jalan PJS5/30 Pusat Perdagangan PJ Selatan 46150 Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 7772 2201 Fax: +603 7772 2210 Advertising: info@theclubhouse.com.my Editorial: news@theclubhouse.com.my Subscription: subscription@theclubhouse.com.my Website: www.theclubhouse.com.my Printed by: TANKOH PRINT SDN BHD (889517-w) No. 5 & 7, Jalan Industri PBP 11, Taman Industri Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan © INPRESS MEDIA Sdn Bhd. All material in The ClubHouse is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Every care has been taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefore. All information is correct at press time.

From the day The ClubHouse website hit cyberspace in early May, it was our earnest wish and desire to change the way golf is being reported in the country – a welcome break from the tried and tested methods of yesteryears. Too often, industry happenings and events go uncovered, results and scores go unreported and sadly, issues as well as problems go unresolved. We do not claim to be the pioneer or even the most revolutionary golf publishing house in the world. Yet we are well aware of where we are heading, in terms of engaging the various stakeholders of the game, on how we can improve the state of the game in Malaysia as well as to create more awareness and interest about the Royal & Ancient game here. It is a commitment reflected in The ClubHouse’s tagline – Where Golf Happens! If you are wondering why the first issue is only reaching your hands in the middle of August, well that’s the first unique quality about The ClubHouse. We will hit the streets on the second week of each month so that would allow us to get the latest news, stay relevant and be a step ahead over the other golf publications in the market. Secondly, The ClubHouse is available FREE OF CHARGE. Yes, you heard that right – at golf clubs (and that includes indoor golf parlours) and golf retail outlets nationwide – we did not forget the golfing community in Sabah and Sarawak. As part of our expansion plan, we will also be available in selected locations in Singapore as well. If you like what you see and would like The ClubHouse to be delivered to your doorstep, a minimal subscription package is also available. It may be complimentary but we do not plan on cutting corners in ensuring that a premium magazine is delivered to you each month. How different can we be in terms of content? The ClubHouse will dedicate itself to covering the on goings of the local golf industry, catering to the needs of both industry professionals as well as avid golfers. We will bring you closer to the amateur scene – be it men, ladies or seniors, the junior circuit, professional ranks as well as what’s stirring in the golf business with a healthy dose of reality checks. If the latest trend in the hardware and soft goods department is your cup of tea, you will not be disappointed with The ClubHouse’s regular offerings of game-improving equipment and new additions to the shelves. And best of all, sit back and absorb the in-depth views and commentaries by our panel of respected columnists that we have sourced worldwide. It will be a constantly growing list – so do look forward for some new additions in our upcoming issues. As we celebrate 54 years of nationhood here in Malaysia, it is my tiny hope that the local golf scene can finally rid itself of the many stumbling blocks that have prevented us from reaching our true potentials. More of this in another issue and I leave you here to turn the pages with our warmest Eid ul-Fitri greetings to all our Muslims readers. Edward Saminathan Chief Golf Writer news@theclubhouse.com.my

IN YOUR AUGUST ISSUE ON THE COVER

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3 TWO SQUARE PJ ALAMANDA PUTRAJAYA

SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTER

ALPHA ANGLE

SUNWAY PYRAMID

AMCORP MALL

TAIPAN

AMPANG POINT

TAYLOR’S LAKESIDE

BANDAR UTAMA BANGSAR VILLAGE

THE MINES THE WELD

BUKIT RAJA

UPTOWN VIVA HOME BUKIT INDAH

CENTERPOINT, BU

FUN ZONE JOHOR BAHRU CITY SQUARE

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JUSCO TEBRAU

DESA SRI HARTAMAS

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DATARAN PAHLAWAN

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JUSCO SEREMBAN

IOI MALL JAYA ONE JUSCO AU 2 JUSCO BUKIT TINGGI JUSCO CHERAS SELATAN

IPOH PARADE TAIPING SENTRAL 1ST AVENUE BORDERS QUEENSBAY MALL E-GATE PENANG

JUSCO KEPONG

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KELANA JAYA KL SENTRAL KLCC KL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KOTA RAYA LCCT LEISURE MALL MAJU JUNCTION

ISLAND PLAZA JURU AUTO-CITY JUSCO BANDAR PERDA NEW WORLD PARK PRANGIN MALL QUEENSBAY MALL STRAITS QUAY SUNWAY CARNIVAL

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SS15

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SS2

THE SPRING

SUNGEI WANG PLAZA

GOLF BREAK SWISS-GARDEN GOLF RESORT & SPA DAMAI LAUT

TROPICANA MALL

CAPITAL SQUARE CENTRO KLANG

THE MALL

BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE BORDERS THE GARDENS

SPOTLIGHT SIDDIKUR RAHMAN

THE CURVE

BB PLAZA BORDERS CURVE

SUNWAY KOTA DAMANSARA

FEATURES

9 10 11

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MALAYSIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION MALAYSIAN LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION GOLF COURSE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA FACES OF GOLF ENTREPRONEUR

REGULARS

12 14 18 20 24 36 38 39 40

MY JUNIORS INSIDE THE ROPES AROUND THE GLOBE IN THE BAG GEAR UP TEE BOX GOLF DIARY WHERE TO GOLF SUBSCRIPTION

COLUMNS

27 28

THE RIGHT FIT WITH TITLEIST

UNCHARTED COURSE WITH NORMAS YAKIN

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY BY JUSTINE MOSS

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CONTEST

SPOT AND WIN 2011

SPOTLIGHT

This Is Where It Began Unassuming and modest about his new-found fame, Bangladeshi sensation Mohammad Siddikur Rahman talks to Edward Saminathan about his life on tour and that unforgettable day in Seremban four years ago.

ÂŠ Ravi Chitty / The ClubHouse

SPOTLIGHT

any different stories have been bandied around about how Mohammad Siddikur Rahman managed to play in the tournament proper of the Negeri Sembilan Masters Invitational in 2008. Having failed to make the cut in the Monday qualifying round, some reports claimed that all it took was a call from the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the tournament director Dato Haji Mohd Yaacob Mohd Kassim to land the strapping young man a slot to play. Others claimed on the other hand that Yaacob was impressed by the tenacity of the Bangladeshi, who had stayed put at the Seremban International Golf Club until late at night to appeal to the former for an exemption. Reflecting on that faithful day four years ago, the 26-year-old from Dhaka can only laugh about his apparent naiveness back then. “It was my first trip to Malaysia and I was scheduled to play here and then stay on for the Terengganu Masters. I was really down after I missed the cut but I had no other options but to ask for an exemption – I had spent a big sum to come here. The tournament officials told me it was the captain’s (as he refers to Yaacob) call, so I waited for him and praise to God, he gave me a slot.

“It was only much later that I learnt that I didn’t even have to play the Monday qualifying because there were country exemptions for professionals from smaller golfing countries like Bangladesh. How I wish I had known about it earlier!” shares Siddikur, who laughed out loud when I mentioned the first-hand accounts of him jumping for joy in the empty foyer of the golf club that night after receiving the good news.

Life has transformed many folds for the Bangladeshi sensation since those humble days. Winning the Brunei Open last August saw him earn a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour and it proved a much needed breakthrough for the lad, who went on to conjure up a few more top-ten placing to finish inside the top ten of the Order of Merit, in only his second year on the Asian Tour.

SPOTLIGHT

“

He’s a small player and doesn’t hit the ball a long way, which minimises the trouble he tends to get into. He is always there and keeps the ball in play. And the rare occasions when he does go wayward, his short game prowess comes into play. ~ Chuah Choo Chiang

”

But some things have not changed. For one, he still likes to be known simply as Siddikur, or just Siddik as he known back home in Bangladesh. He still spends much of his free time at Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka, where he began as a humble ball boy looking for extra income to support his studies, having come from a less than privileged background. While I’m sure that most of us have read about the well-chronicled tale of the makeshift seven iron with a steel rod, it was surprising that he had never aimed to play golf professionally. “I think I was about 14 or 15 years old when I realised that I needed a clear career path ahead. At that point, I was playing golf just for fun – I was merely observing how some of the much older professionals back home played and tried to emulate them. I never really saw myself turning professional or becoming a good player. To be really honest, caddies could only play on Mondays, so I wasn’t too sure about how good my game was until I

got drafted to the national amateur team,” Siddikur revealed. A national amateur for over six and half years, Siddikur claimed over a dozen of championship including a reign as Bangladesh’s national amateur champion for three straight years. “It was a great and proud experience to be able to travel and play tournaments in different countries and to represent your country in the international stage. I believe the experience I gained as a national amateur has been a boost to my professional career,” he shared.

His maiden visit to Malaysia in 2008 opened a window of opportunity for him and got him hooked onto golfing in this region. “I’m very grateful to kind officials here, people like Captain and Richard (Lian) who gifted me with the opportunity to sample playing tournaments here. It helped me get accustomed to the playing conditions in South East Asia, which came in handy when I came to the Asian Tour Qualifying School the following year.”

Having assessed his abilities and yearning to make the cut in the paid ranks, he travelled to India in June 2007 to try and make the grade in the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). “My first tournament was a feeder tournament called Color Plus in Golden Green Golf Course in Gurgaon, which was the first stage of getting your playing card on the PGTI. I came in 14th and I took it as an indicator that I was ready for the big time. “Coming to India was a given, it is the natural move upwards for any Bangladeshi rookie professional. It is a tried and tested method, I may say. Unlike now where we have the Asian Development Tour, back then the PGTI was the only opportunity for us to gain confidence and kick start our career.”

He has carried his sizzling form into 2011 with two top-three finishes and another eighth place placing at the Maybank Malaysian Open - his best-ever finish in a co-sanctioned event. He followed up on his win at the Grameenphone Bangladesh Masters in January by lifting the Negeri Sembilan Masters on his fourth visit.

SPOTLIGHT BIO Name: Siddikur Mohammad Rahman Birth Date: November 20, 1984 Residence: Dhaka, Bangladesh Height: 5’ 9” Weight: 185 lbs Family: Single, eldest of four siblings Turned Pro: 2007

WINS Asian Tour 2011 Grameenphone Bangladesh Masters (ADT) 2010 Brunei Open

Having earned his card at the Q-School, he struggled to cement his spot in the Tour despite making nine cuts in 14 appearances. “I think my game was just to that certain level and I still needed the high-level experience to make an impression on the Tour.” The Asian Tour’s media director Chuah Choo Chiang remembers Siddkiur’s early days on Tour. “A humble young man, very polite and respectful, not only towards the people around him but also for the game as well. We met first after he had just come off the Qualifying School. He did not really do much in his first year and a half, was shy-spoken and was very much finding his way in this very new and competitive environment.” “Then somewhere in June 2010, he played well, was in contention for a while and got his first-ever top ten finish [on the Asian Tour] at the Queen’s Cup in Koh Samui. You could see that he was a player to come forward because he had a sterling amateur record and how the other players alluded to the fact that he is one of, if not the hardest working professionals on the range.” “He was delighted to make that breakthrough, you could see it in his eyes and his body language and he followed that with another big week in the Brunei Open, where he went on to lift his maiden Asian Tour title. I wasn’t surprised one bit,” explained Chuah. Currently the birdie leader on the Asian

Tour, he has a few useful pointers for upand-coming golfers. “To be consistent, you have to practice constantly. You can never be too good at something. Second, learning is a continuous process. I still learn each day and keep the good things in mind. Third, don’t be nervous if you’re playing with a better player than yourself. Be confident and shut your mind from the surroundings and concentrate on your own game. Finally, work on your mental strength and you will be able to shape the shots anyway you want” shares Siddikur, who is well-known for his straight-faced and calm demeanour on the golf course. And what has this cool customer has in mind for his next career step. First on the list is winning a co-sanctioned event. “I want to taste playing in Europe regularly other than the Omega European Masters, so the best way of achieving that target is to win an Asian Tour event which is cosanctioned by the European Tour. Most of all, I want to play in a Major. I believe I have the game and temperament and I want to be the first Bangladeshi to qualify outright for a Major tournament and make a memorable debut,” said the confident and consummate professional. I ended the interview on a much lighter tone: does he have a special someone? “I’m still looking,” he answers with nary an expression before adding: “Maybe I’ll find someone in Malaysia and settle down here!” he adds, erupting into a roaring laugh before proceeding to tuck into his favourite Malaysian lunch of nasi goreng kampung.

Professional Golf Tour of India 2010 American Express Bangladesh Open 2009 Global Green Bangalore Open 2008 HUDA-GTPL – Unitech Haryana Open 2008 PGTI Players Championship at Poona Golf Club Others 2011 Negeri Sembilan Masters Invitational LIKES: Golfer: Ernie Els Movie: Slumdog Millionaire Food: Anything spicy Drink: Coca Cola Destination in Asia: Malaysia and Thailand

SIDDIKUR’s ARSENAL

Driver: Callaway Razr Hawk 9.5° Woods: Callaway Diablo Edge 15° & 18° Utility: TaylorMade Rescue 19° Irons: Ping S56 (#4-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey 52°, 56° & 60° Putter: Odyssey Black Series #9 Ball: Titleist Pro V1 At the point in which this article was written, Siddikur’s father was hospitalised due to heart complications, forcing Bangladesh to pull out from the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Asian Qualifier. We at The ClubHouse would like to wish a speedy recovery to his father and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

MALAYSIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

Singapore reclaim trophy in T

annual inter-Causeway match

he Singapore Golf Association (SGA) defeated their Malaysian counterparts - the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) – by one point in the recent annual Ryder Cup-style match-up between the two regional rivals. SGA scored 12 1/2 points against MGA’s 11 1/2 points to reclaim the trophy during the two-day tournament from July 13-14 at the Sentosa Golf Club. SGA got off to a good start, trumping MGA 4 1/2 to 1 1/2 in the foursomes contest before the Malaysian fought back gallantly to emerge victorious in the four-ball competition by 4 to 2. Despite trailing by one point into the final day singles match, the visitors quickly raced ahead with four straight points, courtesy of Mohamad Azman Basharuddin, who claimed the first singles point with a 2 and 1 defeat of Abdul Hadi. This was followed by Mohamad Azry Azam’s comprehensive 6 and 5 victory over Ashwin Banu, Mohd Hisyam Majid’s solid 4 and 3 win over Jerome Ng and a close 2-up victory by Jeremiah Kim over Low Wee Jin to bring their total to 9 1/2 points against SGA’s 6 1/2 points.

SGA gained its first point when Jackie Teo beat Malcom Tay 5 and 4 but MGA earned another point after Mohammad Arif defeated Edgar Oh 5 and 4. However, the host managed to turn the tables with four straight points of their own, with Nicholas Lim beating Paul San 5 and 4 and Marc Ong beating Kenneth De Silva 5 and 4. Amelia Yong came back from behind to beat Loy Hee Ying 1 up despite being four down at one stage and Joey Poh beating Vivienne Chin 2 and 1 to take a one point lead. Nur Durriyah Damian levelled the score with a 2-up defeat of Koh Sock Hwee but Kok Jo Ee beat Isza Fariza Ismail 2 and 1 in the decider to give Singapore their ninth victory in the tournament’s 25-year history.

final day best of four-under-par 68 saw unheralded onehandicapper Mohammad Azry Asyraf Noor Azam (1) emerge victorious ahead of his fancied rivals at the 56th Perak Amateur Open held from June 24-26. The 16-year-old from Kulim Golf Club registered a three-under-par 213 total at the Meru Valley Golf & Country Club to lift his maiden state open victory.

Azry springs surprise at Perak Amateur

Starting the final round two shots behind second round leader Mohd Shanizam Mohd Mohagi, Azry showed great composure to move into lead on the 15th and held off a strong challenge from runner up Mohd Afif Mohd Razif of Penang to win by one stroke. Pre-tournament favourite Gavin Kyle Green, who led after the first round settled for third on even-par 216 while Shanizam stumbled down the leaderboard to finish ninth overall, after closing with a bogey-strewn round of 81. In the ladies’ division, national player Vivienne Chin romped to an emphatic 18-stroke victory over Dottie Ardina of The Philippines. Despite just returning to competitive action after taking an enforced break to focus on her studies, the 17-yearold Sabahan proved on fire as she registered rounds of 68,73

and 71 to finish as the only lady participant with an under-par total at four-under 212. Singapore’s Amelia Yong was third on 16-over-par 232.

Shafiq triumphed in Kelantan with final day flourish

hree-handicapper Mohd Shafiq Norzi showed real character on his home course after coming back from behind to claim a three-stroke victory at the Kelantan Men’s Amateur Open on July 8. Shafiq, who was in a four-way tie for second place through 36 holes after rounds of 71 and 76, carded a final round of two-under-par 70 at the Kelantan Golf & Country Club to emerge victorious ahead of fellow club members Mohd Rozi Jusoh (2) who totalled 220 (7572-) and third placed Mohd Azran Othman, who finished on 223 (72-74-77).

In the nett division, Adam Muda (9) of Royal Perak Golf Club emerged the champion with a three-day total of 202 (63-66-73) while Muhammad Shahrin Abdul Wahab (66-73-64) took secoand place ahead of Beh Chuan Meng (6865-70) on countback after both registered a 203 total.

MALAYSIAN LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION

Kelly steers Malaysia to clean sweep © MALGA

It was a fine victory for the 18-year-old from Batu Pahat, who totaled five-under-par 208 over three round at The Mines Resort & Golf Club for a six-shot victory over compatriot Nur Durriyah Damian, making amends for her playoff defeat to Diana Tham at the 2010 edition held at the same venue. Iman Ahmad Nordin, who led by two into the final round, settled for third place on two-over 215 after a disappointing round of 77 to complete a rare Malaysian sweep of the podium finishes.

Still fresh from her training stint at the IMG Academies in Florida, Kelly quickly erased Iman’s two-shot advantage, carding a birdie on the seventh against Iman’s bogey to pull level before charging ahead with three further birdies on a flawless back nine to seal the biggest win in her amateur career.

up Suzie Lee of Korea while Edora totalled four-over 182, beating Tracy Hui of Hong Kong by two shots.

alaysia’s top lady amateur Kelly Tan Guat Chen fired a superb closing three-under-par 68 to emerge the champion of the 28th Mazda Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open (MLAO), keeping the Tuanku Ampuan Negeri Sembilan Challenge Trophy in local hands for the third-year running.

Kelly had earlier captained the Malaysia A team comprising of past winners Michelle Koh, Diana and herself to the team championship while Kelie Kan Kah Yan and Edora Abdullah claimed the two-day Division Two and Division Three titles respectively. Kelie finished the tournament with a total of 17-over 159, seven strokes ahead of runner-

“It feels great to have won this tournament after last year’s painful experience. I obviously picked up a lot of pointers from that defeat especially in terms of course management and how to handle myself under pressure,” said Kelly. “The seventh hole was definitely the turning point today as I birdied from six feet while Iman got into some trouble in the rough and two-putted for a double-bogey. From then on, I just maintained my pace and enjoyed a great finish with a bogey-less homeward nine,” she added. The 2011 edition of the MLAO attracted 103 participants from across the Asia-Pacific region including South Africa.

Leading final round scores (Malaysian unless stated) 208 Kelly Tan (71-69-68) 220 Pornvipa Sakdee (THA) (70-77-73) 214 Nur Durriyah Damian (76-71-67) 222 Agnes Retno Adriani Sudjasmin (INA) (75-72-75) 215 Iman Ahmad Nordin (71-67-77) 223 Aretha Pan (77-72-74), Hilferah Tan (74-74-75) 216 Michelle Koh (71-75-70) 225 Loy Hee Ying (76-75-74) 219 Phimnipha Wongwaiwate (THA) (76-70-73)

GOLF COURSE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

MOVING FORWARD O

ver a cup of coffee, Golf Course Managers Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) president Mohd Rom Muslim shares his vision for the association and what’s in store for the once-quiet grouping of golf course managers. Many readers may not be familiar with GCMAM. Can you share with us what the association is all about? Basically GCMAM was set up as a social club of golf club managers in the early 90s and its main objective then was to take care of the welfare and wellbeing of its members. Today, our core business is to provide managers with the necessary skills and knowledge of managing golf clubs so that golf clubs will continue to survive and provide excellent service to their members and guests. Mohd Rom Muslim

After a quiet period of inactivity, the association is abuzz with gatherings and talks again. What are some of the activities that you have lined-up for 2011? So far this year, we have had three workshops in Kuala Lumpur, Kedah and most recently on July 18 in Johor. These workshops focused on course marshalling, course preparation for competitions as well as golf insurance. The idea is to have similar workshops for golf club managers and professionals in the East Coast as well as Sabah and Sarawak in the near future. These workshops have also raised the opportunity for the starters and marshals to get together to share their experiences. We plan to have a business coaching session for club managers in the Klang

Valley somewhere in September. This session will hopefully remind club managers of the changing environment and how they need to change their styles to suit the needs of their clubs, so that they remain relevant in ensuring the well-being of their clubs. A professional business coach has been identified and discussions on subjects to be presented are being finalised. We hope to get the full support of all golf club managers and those who aspire to be one. Maybe, towards the end of the year, we will organise a friendly golf game to bring all the managers together and provide them with a platform to meet their industry peers and exchange ideas, views and thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of golf in Malaysia. Obviously to organise such workshops and to run the day-to-day management of the association, GCMAM has to be financially sound. Where does the association source its income from? To manage these activities, we are lucky to have the backing of a few industry players who are also passionate in making sure the well-being of golf clubs in the country. So far we have had AXA Affin Life Insurance Berhad, Jebsen & Jessen come onboard and hopefully more sponsors will come forward and support our activities. Our main source of revenue is the management of the World Amateur Inter –Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) organised by Tourism Malaysia. This event is in its seventeenth year and GCMAM has been associated with it for the last six years.

You’re also keen in equipping club managers and industry professionals with adequate knowledge and skills through continuing education, especially for those who don’t hold professional qualifications but have made it up through work experience. How are you going to achieve this? On the education front, GCMAM has in store an executive diploma programme for golf professionals who are currently working in the industry. We will not take the managers and executives away from their places of work, but instead opt for a long-distance programme where they may only need to take time off work once a month to get together for discussion and interaction. This will be announced once the infrastructure of the programme and the tie-up with a local university is finalised. We are also exploring the opportunity to tie-up with a local or foreign university, namely Ramkhamhaeng University in Thailand to introduce a Masters of Business Administration in Golf Managament. Your hopes for GCMAM in the future? I really hope that more club managers will support our association by becoming members and contributing their ideas and thoughts on how we can move forward as coherent group. It is important that golf club managers have a united voice in representing their interests. As an important stakeholder in the golf industry, GCMAM can only be more proactive if we receive the full support and backing from golf club managers in the country.

MY JUNIORS

CIMB FOUNDATION JOINS SPORTEXCEL AS CHARTER MEMBER

IMB Foundation took another positive step towards the growth and development of junior golf in the country by coming onboard as a Charter Member of the Foundation for Malaysian Sporting Excellence (SportExcel). The banking giant has been actively involved at the grassroot level of the sport through the CIMB Junior Development Programme, which teed off last year. The corporate social responsibility arm of CIMB Group will now extend their support to further nurture the nation’s top junior golfers through the proven competitive platform of SportExcel. As part of the agreement, CIMB Foundation will title sponsor the SportExcel Malaysian Junior Premier Elite Golf Circuit, as well as take over as the title sponsor of two other SportExcel’s major events – Malaysian Junior Matchplay and Asia-Pacific Junior Match-Play Golf Championship.

Age-category winners at Kelab Golf Negara Subang

CIMB Group’s assistant general manager – corporate social responsibility Ung Su Ling was present during a simple announcement ceremony held in tandem with the third leg of the Premier Elite Golf Circuit at Kelab Golf Negara Subang on July 17.

“On behalf of CIMB Foundation, I would like to extend our gratitude to the SportExcel family for agreeing to this venture with us. I can only look back fondly at how far we have come in terms of our involvement with junior golf in Malaysia over the last one year, since we launched the CIMB Junior Development Programme in conjunction with our sponsorship of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia,” said Ung. “We are really glad to be able to get involved at a tournament layer and we will be working closely with SportExcel to see how we can expand this [circuit] into one of the most premier tournament series in Malaysia for golf,” she added. She took note that the foundation was keen on getting the parents involved in the thought processes on how to improve the existing tournament setup.

Ung (left) with SportExcel’s new executive director Sivanandan Chinnadurai

The Premier-Elite circuit has two more legs before culminating in a grand final at Monterez Golf & Country Club later in the year. Results – CIMB Foundation-SportExcel Malaysian Junior Premier Elite Golf Circuit (Third Leg) Boys’ Under-20 1st Jeremiah Kim 2nd Victor Jeyakumar 3rd Tan Wei Chean 4th Mohd Aiman Mohd Nor

69 72 73 75

Girls’ Under-20 1st Nur Dahiyah Damian 2nd Nur Diyanah Damian

74 83

Boys’ Under-15 1st Muhamad Asyraf Azman 2nd Muhammad Asyraf Haji Rosli 3rd Amir Nazrin Jailani 4th Kew Jia Jun

76 (won on playoff) 76 77 OCB 77

Girls’ Under-15 1st Jolene Kam Jo Ling 2nd Chong Yee Mun 3rd Chong Yong 4th Ong Shi Qing

76 78 82 84

Boys’ Under-12 1st Foo Tee Hong 2nd Sheikh Abdul Razak Abdul Rawof 3rd Muhammad Afif Mohd Fathi 4th Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz

76 78 OCB 78 OCB 78

Boys’ Under-9 1st Marcus Lim Pang Chuen 2nd Ashwinkumar Sinniah 3rd Tiu Darren 4th Tengku Muzaffar Tengku Masly

34 39 40 42

MY JUNIORS SPORTEXCEL GRANTS FOR GOLFING SIX

ix junior golfers were recently rewarded with financial grants for their excellent performance in the junior circles during the annual SportExcel Awards on July 28. First time recipients Nur Durriyah Damian, Paul San and Kelie Kan Kah Yan as well as Chang Ervin received RM1,500 while Siti Zulaikhaa Shaari and Aaerishna Shahsty Balakrishnan picked up RM1,000 each. The grants were handed out by SportExcel chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar. A total of 39 juniors – an increase of three compared to 2010 – from eight sport disciplines were awarded with the financial grants. These awards represent both recognitions of their performances as well as aids to their development. The awards ceremony also saw four organisations namely CIMB Foundation, Integrated Logistics Bhd, Malaysian Mosaics Bhd and Astro Arena joining in as the foundation’s Charter Members, bringing the total number of Charter Members to 20. Each organisation has pledged a sum of RM45,000 over a three-year period for SportExcel.

GOLDEN GLITTER FOR MALAYSIA AT SELETAR

he Malaysian boys’ team successfully defended their titles after claiming both gold medals on offer in the boys’ division at the golf championship of the third ASEAN Schools Games, which was held in Singapore from July 3-6. Led by the steady Chan Tuck Soon who claimed the individual gold medal, the Malaysian boys’ team comprising Jeremiah Kim, Muhammad Afif Muhammad Razif, Low Khai Jei and Gwee Lee Jun were judged the best team. This was achieved on countback after finishing tied with regional powerhouse Thailand on 1185 at the Seletar Country Club. Indonesia was a distant third on 1214. Chan closed with a final round of 74 to claim the gold with a four-day total of two-over par 290, five strokes ahead of teammate Kim (73). Itthipat Buranatanyarat of Thailand edged past three other participants to claim the bronze on countback after the quartet finished level on 296. The Malaysian girls’ team (Vivienne Chin, Aretha Pan Herng, Nur Durriyah Damian and Isza Fariza Ismail) delivered a silver medal in the team event, finishing 14 strokes off the pace set by the gold medal-winning Thai quartet. Singapore’s Jennifer Yan Jing brought some cheer for the host nation by claiming the girls’ individual gold with a total of 292, ahead of Indonesia’s Ika Woro Palupi (297) and Thailand’s Sherman Santiwiwatthaphone.

MUBARIZ VICTORIOUS IN KARACHI

ocal lad Mubariz Ahmed clinched the inaugural Faldo Series Pakistan Championship on his home course at Karachi Golf Club on July 31.

The 15-year-old made the most of local knowledge, carding rounds of 78, 79 and 77 to finish on 234, two strokes ahead of joint runners-up Sameer Merchant from Karachi and Lahore’s Mahad Zafar. Mubariz will lead fellow age-category winners Sameer (boys’ under-18) Ghufran Ghani (boys’ under-21) and Kashfa Zafar (girls’ under-21) to qualify for the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, which will be held at the Mission Hills Golf Club in China next year.

INSIDE THE ROPES

Siddikur soars to NS Masters victory

Getting stronger and stronger as the round progressed, Siddikur made the turn on 34 after mixing three birdies against his sole bogey on the fourth. Despite slight showers, he pulled away from the pack with an eagle on par-five 11th, where he hit a five wood to 30 feet and a birdie on the 14th before sealing a memorable display with another eagle on the par-five finishing hole. Chia mixed five birdies against three bogeys for 70 to record his best finish in the tournament which was inaugurated in 2005.

Siddikur Rahman turned on the style to run away with the Negeri Sembilan Masters Invitational after a stunning final round of seven-under 65 at the Seremban International Golf Club on July 14.

The 26-year-old from Dhaka, who was making his third appearance at the annual championship, propelled himself to the title with an electrifying back nine of 31, highlighted by eagles on the 11th and 18th in erratic weather conditions. A four-day total of 17-under-par 271 gave Siddikur his second personal win of 2011 and earned him a prize purse of US$26,320 in the US$165,000 (RM500,000) tournament, which was the

Abel Tam was named the best amateur after registering a total of three-under 285 after four under-par rounds of 71, 72, 70 and 72. Four of the twelve amateurs in the field made the halfway cut in the seventh edition this year.

highest paying event on the expanded ASEAN PGA Tour in 2011. Four strokes adrift in second was Malaysia’s Danny Chia (70) while compatriots Md Rashid Ismail (68) and Shaaban Hussin (70) were a further shot back. Thirty-six hole leader Airil Rizman Zahari stumbled down the leaderboard after a rough day in the office, carding a three-over 74 to claim a share of fifth alongside Thais Atthaphon Pratummannee and colourful Udorn Duangdecha. Veteran Filipino Antonio Lascuna, who was within a shout for his first victory on the regional tour at the start of the round, saw his title hopes go up in smoke after a disappointing 74.

Leading final round scores (Malaysian unless stated) 271 275 276 277 279 280 281

Siddikur Rahman (BAN) (69-68-69-65) Danny Chia (66-71-68-70) Md Rashid Ismail (70-66-72-68) , Shaaban Hussin (68-69-6970) Udorn Duangdecha (THA) (72-69-69-67), Atthaphon Pratummannee (THA) (65-70-70-72), Airil Rizman Zahari (65-72-66-74) Antonio Lascuna (PHI) (66-71-68-74) Rory Hie (INA) (69-71-72-68), Scott Barr (AUS) (73-69-69-69) Ben Leong (73-73-68-67)

Increased prize purse set to spice up Sime Darby LPGA extravaganza The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2011 will up the ante with an increase in its prize purse as well as the number of playing days this October 13-16 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club’s East Course. The tournament which will be played over 72 holes, an increase from last year’s 54 holes, will see the prize money increased by US$100,000 to a new high of US$1.9 million, making it one of the most lucrative events on the LPGA Schedule. The field size will expanded as well to 72 players, comprising of the leading 62 players from the LPGA’s Money List and 10 sponsors invites. Jean Chua and Kelly Tan, Malaysia’s top female professional and amateur respectively, will headline the local challenge after receiving two of the sponsors’ invites earlier in June.

Rising star Tan ended in a commendable 32nd to finish as the leading local player in last year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia while Chua became only the second Malaysian golfer to make the halfway cut at a ladies’ Major during her maiden appearance in the US Women’s Open in The Broadmoor, Colorado. Sime Darby Berhad’s group chief operating officer and managing director of Sime Darby Property Dato’ Abd Wahab Maskan said the improvements made to the 2011 edition reinforced the Group’s commitment to making the event one of the flagship dates on the Malaysian and Asian sports calendar. “The increase in the number of the world’s best players playing for more days for a greater prize purse is indeed good news for sports fans for this year’s championship.

I am delighted to also state that there will be many more exciting announcements about the 2011 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia in the coming months and we look forward to putting on another great show for all of Malaysia in October this year,” he said. IMG Golf’s senior vice president and global co-managing director Robbie Henchman was enthusiastic about the growth of the event. “The extension of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia into a 72hole event along with the growth in the prize fund and field commensurate with our vision of building this tournament into Malaysia’s flagship international event – not just in golf, but in sports.”

INSIDE THE ROPES

Sweet second for Chia

Relief for Rashid in Johor

Fung takes home victory

Danny Chia carded a sterling final round of six-under-par 66 en route to a fourshot victory over Md Rashid Ismail at the RM150,000 Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Clearwater Classic which ended on June 23.

Mohd Rashid Ismail ended a four-year barren spell by cruising to the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Johor Classic title at the Johor Golf & Country Club on July 14.

Nicholas Fung Chee Yung continued his rise as one of the nation’s most promising young professionals with a commanding victory at the RM200,000 Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Sabah Classic held from July 25-28.

The 38-year-old totaled 16-under-par 276 at Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort in Batu Gajah, Perak to claim his second win on the burgeoning PGM Tour since winning the season-opening Impian Masters in December last year. After struggling with a series of injuries and a dip in confidence since the start of the year, Chia celebrated his return of form in style, draining seven birdies – including three consecutive ones from hole 12 – against a sole bogey on the ninth, to claim the champion’s cheque of RM26,250. Despite still feeling the effects of a bad cold, Rashid emerged a strong second on twelve-under-par while PGM Order of Merit leader M.Sasidaran continued his winless run with another third place finish on 279, notwithstanding a four-under 68 today. A closing even-par 72 saw Shaifubari Muda finish fourth while Redzuan Kamaruddin and early pacesetter Shaaban Hussin took a share of fifth on six-under 282. Leading final round scores 272 276 279 281 282 283 284

Danny Chia (69-68-69-66) Md Rashid Ismail (66-73-69-68) M.Sasidaran (72-67-72-68) Shaifubari Muda (70-66-73-72) Redzuan Kamaruddin (70-72-69-71), Shaaban Hussin (66-66-78-72) Haziq Hamizan (71-72-73-67), Mohd Rizal Amin (72-71-69-71), Airil Rizman Zahari (74-70-66-73) Anis Helmi Hassan (70-73-69-72)

The 38-year-old from Kluang had a happy homecoming after holding on for a wireto-wire victory during the tenth leg of the PGM Tour. A final round 70 saw Rashid amass a four-day total of 14-under-par 274 for a eight-shot victory over Sukree Othman, who settled for second after a final round best of 69. Rookie professional Iylia Mohd Jamil recovered superbly with a solid 71 to take sole possession of third place on fourunder 284 with the trio of Shaifubari Muda, Haziq Hamizan and Lim Eng Seng one stroke behind in a share of fourth on 285. Previous winners S. Sivachandhran and R. Nachimuthu were tied for ninth in the RM150,000 tournament. PGM Terengganu Classic champion Shaaban Hussin, who lied six strokes off the lead at the start of the round, collapsed down the leaderboard after a bogey-ridden 82 to finish tied-15th overall. The victory – Rashid’s first since winning the PNB Kinrara Masters in 2007 – earned him the winner’s purse of RM26,250. Leading final round scores 274 282 284 285 286 287 288

Md Rashid Ismail (66-69-69-70) Sukree Othman (71-71-71-69) Iylia Jamil (68-69-76-71) Shaifubari Muda (73-69-72-71), Haziq Hamizan (72-72-68-73), Lim Eng Seng (72-69-71-73) S. Sivachandhran (71-73-71-71), R. Nachimuthu (70-72-72-72) Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari (71-74-70-72), Hilmi Abdul Rahman (68-73-72-74) Airil Rizman Zahari (74-73-67-74), Khor Kheng Hwai (68-74-72-74)

Playing at the Sabah Golf & Country Club, his base since his teenage golfing days, the 21-year-old Fung closed with a steady round of level-par 72 for a tournament total of four under 284 to finish two shots clear of seasoned winner Danny Chia. Chia, who trailed Fung by two strokes at the start of the round, could only match his young challenger on the day, finishing with an identical 72 despite drawing level with the overnight leader on the front nine. Haziq Hamizan continued his recent good form, nailing another top-three finish for the season with a final round of one-under-71 for a 291 total, two strokes ahead of S.Murthy (71) and Shaaban Hussin (74) , who were tied fourth on 293 in what turned out to be a low-scoring tournament. Fung dropped a shot at the par-four fourth but managed to claw back with a birdie on the par-four 13th to move back to four-under. A birdie on the 16th saw Chia move within two shots off the lead but a missed eagle on the final hole handed the initiative to the local favourite to lift his second professional title after his victory at the Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Masters. Leading final round scores 284 286 291 293 294 295 297

Nicholas Fung (67-72-73-72) Danny Chia (72-71-71-72) Haziq Hamizan (71-75-74-71) S. Murthy (76-74-72-71), Shaaban Hussin (71-75-73-74) S. Sivachandhran (74-73-74-73) Iylia Jamil (75-70-79-71), Akhmal Tarmizee (71-77-75-72), R. Nachimuthu (75-73-74-73) Ben Leong (72-71-82-72)

INSIDE THE ROPES

US$2 MILLION ISKANDAR JOHOR OPEN PART OF RACE TO DUBAI

sian Tour rookie Joonas Granberg announced his arrival on the big stage by lifting the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters at the Kota Permai Golf & Country Club on July 24. The 25-year-old Finnish wonder closed with a stellar round of six-under-par 66 for a 15-under-par 273 total to see off the challenge of third round leader Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand by one shot in the US$400,000 Asian Tour event. A three-time winner on his home tour, Granberg started the final round four shots off the lead but got off to a flying start with an eagle on his opening hole from 10 feet before making the turn on 33. He sank birdies on the 11th and 14th before pulling off what proved to be the winning birdie at the demanding par three 17th hole. Displaying maturity well beyond his tender age of 18, Pittayarat battled to a 71 to finish second ahead of Australia’s Adam Groom, whose search for his first Asian Tour title continues after a spectacular stumble on the finishing hole. Needing a par to force a playoff, the co-leader through 17th proceeded to four-putt for a seven after pulling of a superb recovery from an errant drive to the edge of the hazard. Groom settled for a share of third place on 13-under-par 275 alongside seasoned Filipino Antonio Lascuna.

Grand finish for Granberg

“I didn’t think my first win will come so soon. There are so many good players on the Asian Tour and I didn’t play very well in my first four events in Asia. I thought I had a chance for a top-10 or top-five but now, I’m a winner,” said Granberg, who picked up US$60,902 for his victory. Sukree Othman gave the local faithful something to cheer about after surging up the leaderboard with a closing sevenunder 65. Sukree moved into contention with eight birdies through 15 holes before his sole bogey of the round on the 16th halted his march, earning him a tied fifth finish with Australian Marcus Both and Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh – his career best finish on the Asian Tour. Leading final round scores (Malaysian unless stated) 273 274 275 276 277 278

Joonas Granberg (FIN) (62-75-70-66) Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) (71-65-67-71) Adam Groom (AUS) (68-73-66-68), Antonio Lascuna (PHI) (70-69-66-70) Sukree Othman (71-70-70-65), Marcus Both (AUS) (70-67-72-67), Siddikur (68-70-70-68) Chan Tse-peng (TPE) (72-66-71-68) , Tjaar Van Der Walt (NED) (65-74-70-68) Mo Joong-kyung (KOR) (67-74-73-64), S. Sivachandhran (72-69-67-70)

Defending champion Padraig Harrington will headline a stellar European cast at the prestigious Iskandar Johor Open (IJO) this November after it was announced that the 2011 edition will be part of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai. As a full-field Asian Tour event since its inception in 2007, the championship will be jointly sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours which promises an intriguing clash of the continents. From its humble beginning as a US$300,000 event, the fifth edition of the IJO will offer a record prize purse of US$2,000,000 - a 60% increase from the 2010 edition - with the champion taking home the winner’s share of US$317,000. Returning to the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club for the second year running, the championship will move from its traditional October slot to November 1720, sandwiched between the Barclays Singapore Open and Omega Mission Hills World Cup. “The Iskandar Johor Open has been an astounding success over the past few years. Naturally, it fuels further growth for the championship as it rises to prominence,” said Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman, the chairman of the IJO organising committee and the Menteri Besar of Johor during the press launch of the event at the host venue on July 25. “Co-sanctioning by The European and Asian Tours, more lucrative prize money on offer and new dates will definitely draw the world’s top players to Johor this November. Undeniably we are thrilled with these developments, and I’m sure local golf fans will be delighted with the opportunity to watch an exciting line-up of top professionals challenging for the title.”

FACES OF GOLF with

Dato’ Haji Mohd Yaacob Mohd Kassim Captain, Seremban International Golf Club

What are the lessons golf have taught you as a person? You have to be very considerate and you tend to learn to accept things in a more positive light. What are the enjoyments that you get from the game? It is more of good companionship really. I’m very particular with whom I play with – back in those days, I used to spend most weekends playing 72-holes with my best friends Robert Wong, James Goon and Dato’ Hamzah Abdullah. Of course as we age, family and other commitments take over, so my number of rounds has reduced tremendously in recent years.

When and how did you pick up the game of golf? I joined Seremban International Golf Club (SIGC) in 1974 - back then the membership only cost $200! But it was a good four years before I finally picked up a golf stick, mostly due to peer pressure. I took lessons here from the resident professional Dato’ Abdul Latiff Mahmood and have played ever since. Did you play other sports other than golf? Football was my first love and perhaps the only game I really took up seriously. I was a state footballer for two years in the mid60s. The late Mokhtar Dahari (Selangor), Isa Bakar (Penang) and Samad Ali Pitchay (Singapore) were some of the contemporaries I have played against. After sometime, I found it too strenuous and especially with a young family, I quit the game. Describe yourself as a golfer? Do you have a different persona on the course? As what you know about me, I don’t lose my temper on the golf course – I don’t quarrel, I don’t fight, I don’t throw clubs. I’m particular about handicaps – no benefits of strokes from me.

You are involved actively in the game’s administration both as SIGC captain and the vice president of the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA). How long have you been involved in both roles? I’m midway through my sixth term here at SIGC – I was first elected in 1990 for one two-year term before being appointed for the 1996-1998 term. I took some time off the focus on my business during the crisis and came back in to the picture in 2004. I’ve been involved in the MGA for six years, having first served as a state representative and the vice president since 2007. What are some of the challenges that you face in these roles? I think in both roles, the challenges are to satisfy the expectations of the members [of the club] and the various stakeholders of the game. It’s almost human to err. What may seem like a big problem to them, on the hindsight, may actually be a very small matter. But to them, it remains a big problem. So, we have to reason things out, try our best to solve the problem and hope sensibility prevails. What are your most memorable moments throughout your involvement in the game? To see where the Negeri Sembilan Masters Invitational is today. That we were able to create a tournament where our top local players are given a chance to play against some of the region’s top players as well as a proper testing ground for our up-and-coming amateurs to gauge their game. Being part of this tournament’s growth from its humble days as a RM150,000 event has been a enriching experience.

What inspires you to continue serving the game? It’s simple really – you build it, you don’t want to see it destroyed. Until and unless I can see a candidate with good intention of keeping up the standards is in place, I will continue. Your biggest grouse with the modernday golfers? The lack of etiquette and discipline. I feel that we have failed in a sense to maintain the reputation and high standards of the game here. How would you describe your leadership style? People may feel that I’m authoritative but in reality, I can still bend a few things and accommodate to the situation – there’s no hard and fast rules. As long as things are done perfectly and in an orderly fashion, I am satisfied. Your hopes for the game of golf in Malaysia. My wish is to see our current group of amateurs in the national set-up will make model professionals and bring glory to our country. I hope in time to come, these younger generation of golfers will be on par or even better than our regional rivals.

Bio Name: Dato Haji Mohd Yaacob Mohd Kassim Age: 59 Birthplace: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Status: Married with four kids and proud grandfather of three Current residence: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Profession: Businessman Hobbies: Golf When I Golf Handicap: 10 Best local course I’ve played: Royal Selangor Golf Club Best international course I’ve played: Jumeirah Golf Estates Favourite equipment brand: Honma Favourite golfer: Tiger Woods Preferred drink during rounds: Warm water Preferred after-round food: Home-cooked food

AROUND THE GLOBE

New trans-Tasman pairing claim first victory together

dam Scott shot a bogey-less final round of 65 to win the WGCBridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club on August 7 – his first victory since teaming with Tiger Woods’ former caddie Steve Williams. The 31-year-old Australian totalled 17-under-par 263 to finish four shots ahead of young gun Rickie Fowler and Englishman Luke Donald. “I’ve been coming here [to Firestone] for many years now, and it’s always been a challenge,” said Scott. “But I finally learned some things about it, and everything then fell into place,” he said after claiming his first World Golf Championship title and his eighth career PGA Tour title.

THAWORN CLAIMS INDONESIAN OPEN WITH FINAL SHOT

Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant proved indomitable once again as he recorded a brilliant victory in the US$1 million Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta on July 17. The veteran 44-year-old prevailed by one stroke from Indonesia’s rising star Rory Hie, defending champion Michael Hendry from New Zealand and Korean Choi Jinho after a gripping finish.

Ross Fisher donated his prize money from the WGC - Bridgetone Invitational to the Killarney Hospital that looked after his son. The 2010 Irish Open winner opted to miss the event at Firestone Country Club due to concern over his young son’s health.

As Scott and Williams walked to the green of the final hole, fans in the gallery began chanting — not for Scott but for Williams. “I had no idea how popular a New Zealander can be, coming from Australia,” Scott joked in his post-victory press conference. “Obviously, he’s a popular guy around here, having won now eight times,” quipped Scott.

Scott’s Arsenal Driver: Titleist 910D3 (9.5°) Fairway: Titleist 910F.d (15°) Hybrid: Titleist 910H (21°) Irons (#3 - #9): Titleist MB Wedges: Vokey Design (48°, 54° & 60°) Putter: Scotty Cameron Kombi (L) Ball: Titleist Pro V1

FISHER DISPLAYS HEART OF GOLD © Getty

Thaworn needed a battling par on the final hole at Damai Indah Golf - Pantai Indah Kapuk Course to lift the title despite having led by three at the start of the day. He closed with a 73 while Hie, shot 70, Hendry carded 71 and Choi, a 69. The victory also marked his second success in the event as he triumphed in 2005; this is the 15th big win of his illustrious career.

His four-month-old son Harry was taken ill with a virus during Fisher’s recent defence of the Irish Open in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, and naturally the golfer spent the following days by the child’s bedside. Fisher, who was entitled to last place prize money of approximately US$35,000 from World Golf Championship event, was so impressed with the treatment and care given to his son by the hospital staff that he decided to donate the entire sum to the medical facility.

AROUND THE GLOBE

Second edition Singapore Classic to help Japan relief efforts

Title sponsor International Sport Promotion Society (ISPS) and the Asian Tour have agreed to donate US$100,000 from the tournament’s prize fund of US$400,000 towards the Japanese plight following massive earthquakes and tsunamis, which hit the northeast coast of the country. “Following the disasters which struck Japan in March, we feel it is necessary to channel our efforts towards the rebuilding of the many communities who were severely affected,” said chairman of ISPS Dr Haruhisa Handa. “Together with the Asian Tour, we believe we can contribute towards this worthy cause and we will seek other ways to raise financial aid for the people of Japan through the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic.” Last year, the event helped to raise awareness for the International Blind Golf Association, where blind golfers took part in a special event with Asian Tour players before the start of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic. Reigning champion Peter Karmis will return to defend his title with Singapore’s best, led by Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing, who will tee up alongside the top players from the rest of Asia at the Orchid Golf & Country Club.

Malaysian duo fail as Singapore, Kiwis and South Korea book World Cup berths

The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic will return for its second edition from September 8-11 with the Asian Tour event committing its support to relief and rehabilitation efforts in Japan.

Fifth Major for Tseng Yani Tseng retained her British Women’s Open title on July 31 as third round leader Caroline Masson suffered a final round collapse at Carnoustie. The world number one from Chinese Taipei claimed the fifth major crown of her career. She shot a three-under-par 69 to finish on 16-under for the tournament, four shots clear of American Brittany Lang, who notched four birdies on her final eight holes to card an impressive five-under-par 67. Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson was third on 11-under with South Korean Amy Yang a further shot back in fourth. While the 22-year-old Tseng was celebrating her achievement as the first person to defend the British Open title since America’s Sherri Steinhauer in 1999, Masson was left to reflect on a heartbreaking last day as her dreams of glory vanished in a flurry of bogeys. The German world number 141 started out holding a surprise two-shot lead over Tseng but had to settle for a share of fifth place alongside 2009 British Open champion Catriona Matthew of Scotland after carding a six-over par 78. “It feels really good. I played so consistently today and I enjoyed the crowd here. It’s so great making history on this golf course and I feel wonderful right now. It’s an honour to win the British Open again,” said Tseng, who became the youngest player to win five major championships. A true champion, Tseng had a few consolatory words for Masson. “She will learn from her mistakes and every great player goes through that. It’s not a big deal. You try your best and I’ve lost lots of times too.”

Malaysian duo Iain Steel and Shaaban Hussin failed in their bid to qualify for the Omega Mission Hill World Cup after blowing their chance with a poor score in the final round of the Asian Qualifier at Seri Selangor Golf Club on August 7. The new combination of Steel and Shaaban closed with a three-over 74 to share fifth place with Mars Pucay and Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines with a 278 total. Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat will be making their fifth

appearance together in the two-man team international showpiece after finishing second behind New Zealand’s Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison. The Kiwi duo closed with a four-under 67 in the foursome format highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the greenside bunker on the last hole to match the 13-under 271 scored by Lam and Mardan to force a playoff, which the Singaporeans conceded. South Korean pair Kim Hyung-sung and Park Sungjoon claimed the third spot on 275.

IN THE BAG

Method Core Putters

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Combines soft polymer and milled steel grooves to generate faster and more controlled roll at contact Red polymer-aluminium insert in the head reduces impact vibrations for a reassuring sound and grabs ball at contact for smoother, more controlled forward roll at impact Enhanced Polymetal Groove Technology creates desired launch angle, placing premium on stability and speed control to eliminate the notorious backspin which causes skidding and misdirection. Available in five models – three blades, one mid-mallet and one mallet

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JPX 800 Irons

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Five key criteria – feel, control, forgiveness, distance and profile – given equal consideration during the design process to deliver balanced performance A thinner, more uniform iron face combined with a pocket cavity with multiple thickness levels and an external power bar for better energy transfer and higher levels of forgiveness and longer distance Compact and versatile mid-size head with a triple cut sole design for increased versatility

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Ghost Spider Putter www.taylormadegolf.com •

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White finish provides tremendous contrast with the turf making the putter incredibly easy to aim while the Basketball-Court alignment lines help you get the ball on the line you want. The Surlyn insert in each Ghost Series putter incorporates Pure Roll to promote forward roll, accuracy and control for better performance on the greens. High MOI thanks to unique wire-frame head design, strategic weight distribution, and movable weight technology making it the most forgiving putter in the TaylorMade line. Tune the head weight and feel with TaylorMade’s patented Movable Weight Technology

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RM4,199 (NS Pro)

IN THE BAG

AF-702

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Aimed at mid to higher handicapper wanting easy to use conforming performance irons that produces maximum distance. Super precision forged irons made from premium Japan S20C steel feature a new undercut cavity with a varying thickness Super Spring Steel Asroll face that produces a softer feel and lower CG positioning for easy launch. ‘Confidence inducing’ mid to large head size with a thinner taper topline for a sharper look at address.

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RRP: RM5,390 (#5-PW – Shimada Steel K’S7001) RRP: RM5,990 (#5-PW – Machline 501 Graphite)

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The ultra-thin face construction of the irons promotes faster ball speed and distance in longand middle-irons. Features TaylorMade’s renowned Inverted Cone clubface technology, which expands the area of the face that delivers fast ball speed, which promotes improved distance on off-center hits Progressive shaping makes the longer irons more forgiving, and the shorter irons more compact and workable. Moderately thin soles (with the exception of the long-irons) and a moderately sharp leading edge ensure the club enters and exits the turf quickly and smoothly. The long-irons are engineered with wider soles to pull the CG lower for easier, higher launch with an increased MOI to make them more stable and forgiving. Advanced conforming groove design promotes increased spin and control.

RRP: RM3,890 (#4 iron – PW – Steel NSPRO 950 R Flex)

RM4,290 (#4 iron – PW – Graphite Fujikura Motore TM65 R Flex)

IN THE BAG

HT-01G Irons www.honmagolf.com • • •

Redistribution of weights from the toe and heel on the previous model to the sole to promote a lower and deeper centre of gravity for higher MOI and improved directional stability Shorter head length with varied gooseneck design – larger offsets on long irons to better hug the ball on impact while smaller offsets for shorter irons for easy address and better ball grasping and launch on contact Four-axis carbon shafts ensure solid and accurate impact while a softer flex and lower kick point is designed for high trajectory shots

RRP: Prices available upon request at all PanWest outlets and ISETAN KLCC

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G20 IRONS www.ping.com

• • •

A thin face stabilised by a floating STP structure in the cavity generates faster ball speeds and enhance distance control. The clean appearance of the hosel-to-head transition inspires confidence at address, for easier ball launch from any lie. An optimised CG position achieved by redistributing the weight savings from the thinner face to the perimeter and the back flange launches the ball higher and longer. A multi-material cavity badge made with soft elastomeric heel and toe sections improves feel and sound.

RRP: To be announced

FF THE

MILL!

Larger hitting surface and varying wall thickness in the crown generates faster ball speeds and increases MOI for maximum forgiveness and power. An external weight positions the CG for high launch and low spin to maximise distance and accuracy. Aerodynamic 460cc clubhead utilises revolutionary Ti 8-1-1 titanium alloy material, notable for its higher strength-to-weight ratio, for additional weight to be strategically placed and increases the MOI on both the vertical and horizontal axes.

RRP: To be announced

•

HOT O

IN THE BAG

AF-152 DRIVER •

• • • •

Traditional looking yet packed with high tech innovations, the conforming driver is designed for forgiveness and distance and is completely manufactured using super precision forging of a high intensity titanium alloy. An even deeper and lower CG compared to its predecessor generates exceptional launch power with lower spin plus a larger sweet spot for maximum forgiveness and distance. Specially chemically milled ultra lightweight crown allows for extra weight to be moved lower in the head giving a balance of control, distance and forgiveness to mid-handicappers looking for improvement. Adjustable head weight from -2g to +10g accommodates shorter club lengths, different shafts and higher swing weights. Available either custom fitted or with standard shaft.

RRP: RM3,990

ON PROMOTION!

NXT TOUR & NXT www.titleist.com.my

The Titleist NXT Family of golf balls has always prided itself for its superior longer distance while maintaining a soft feel and optimum greenside spin to provide golfers of all levels with shot-stopping short game control. If that’s not good enough to get your Sunday morning flight mates envious, here’s another reason: Buy ONE (1) dozen of NXT Tour or NXT golf balls and receive THREE (3) Sharpee Minis. Sharpee Minis are available in two assortments (Berry, Lime & Black and Red, Orange & Blue). Lay the gauntlet down with your creative marking and out-doodle your competition! Available at authorised retailers in Malaysia and Singapore. Available while stocks last and for a limited period only.

RRP: RM150 (NXT TOUR)

RM136 (NXT)

GEAR UP

FootJoy unveil full line men’s golf apparel

ootJoy has unveiled its plan to enter the full line golf apparel business early next year, marking the Massachusettsbased company’s most radical business expansion in three decades.

The FootJoy Performance Golf Apparel line will feature a complete range of Tour-proven men’s golf apparel complementing its existing line of advanced outerwear. Staying true to the brand’s mission to enhance enjoyment of the game for golfers everywhere, the apparel line will be available to South East Asian consumers beginning March 2012. Starting off with a core range of essential performance offerings that will be instock from season to season, each range will offer multiple colour story collections featuring contemporary colors and patterns in a variety of styles, designs and fitting. Having undertaken an extremely sophisticated and comprehensive study of the golf apparel category, FootJoy has developed a performance material with better moisture wicking properties compared to ordinary cotton-based apparel materials. FootJoy entered the golf outerwear category in 1997 with the launch of DryJoys rainwear and feels that the time is ripe for it to enter the full line golf apparel business. “We take the opportunity to enter full line apparel seriously. We didn’t want to, in doing this, just stick the FJ brand on any product and expect that to be good enough.We wanted to make sure that what we did in this category was in the right way,” said Steve Gale, FootJoy’s Vice President Worldwide Apparel Sales during the region’s first media and retailers showcase in Singapore on July 26.

Steve Gale

“It’s a great opportunity [for FootJoy]. The apparel category is a massive segment of the golf market, so it gave us the opportunity to grow the reach of the brand and to be successful in another category other than our golf footwear and glove categories. The timing we felt was perfect, we thought the FJ brand fits very well with the market as it stands now, given the target that we want to address with. We spend the last two years researching this and how to come into the market. Today, we’re at the culmination of that research project,” he added. With its tagline ‘Make Everyday Playable’, FootJoy promises avid golfers high levels of quality, fit comfort and performance in any weather conditions. The prototype version of the apparel line has already seen action on the professional tours with PGA Tour player Steve Stricker looking mighty comfortable as he strode to victory at the Memorial Tournament and the John Deere Classic clad in the prototype model. The Spring 2012 lineup will feature four distinct ranges, namely Cape Cod and Savannah which will be available in March next year with the Napa Valley and Newport collections to follow suit in May and June respectively; all tailored to the size specifications of the Asian market.

“I think our retailers and customers in Asia and Australasia can be rest assured that the sizing specifications for this region will follow a more traditional European cutting as opposed to the bigger US size specifications. From our brand point of view, it is vital that the golfer feels comfortable in the apparel and performs at his best,” shared Nick Arnold, Managing Director of Acushnet Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. Full video interview with Steve Gale is available online at www.theclubhouse.com.my

GEAR UP

• • •

adiCOMFORT Golf Shoes

Uniquely offers an extended length and width package developed to provide unrivalled stability and support step after step. Additional 3mm of softened midsole EVA for extra cushioning with the removal of the insole board and slip lasting the shoe to reduce weight and brings the foot in closer contact with all the soft layers Superior comfort, flexibility and durability with the usage of soft leathers and lightweight synthetics as well as soft textile lining and additional foam surrounding the foot for better fit for all foot types. • Available in two distinctive men’s designs – hybrid and sport-casual – as well as a synthetic leather model (adiCOMFORT S) while ladies can choose from three fashion-forward designs - hybrid (adiCOMFORT), sport casual (adiCOMFORT S), and a modern-classic style (adiCOMFORT Z) which features cleaner lines and more subtle branding. • Extended sizes up to 17 and multiple widths including Medium, Wide and Extra Wide for men and Medium and Wide widths for ladies. • Full range comes with two-year waterproof guarantee

RRP: RM399

• •

•

Lunar Control Golf Shoes

Full grain waterproof performance leather with hydrophobic qualities by tanning specialist Sadesa repels water for a dry and more comfortable fit even in wet conditions. Nike’s proprietary Lunarlon Foam Cushioning System delivers dynamic support, optimal ground feel and lightweight comfort with a dual-density foam midsole. Enhanced stability with Flywire Saddle, comprising of high-tensile strength fibers which wrap the midfoot for lightweight structure and targeted support.

RRP: RM749

• • • • •

Street

Fashionable full grain leather offers outstanding waterproof comfort, breathability, and durability Extra thick PU interior midsole provides superb cushioning for long lasting comfort Standard instep with full rounded toe character, with a slightly shallow forefoot and a slightly narrow heel. Proprietary DuraMax rubber compound provides excellent turf gripping and performance and durability Pulsar cleats by Softspikes® feature all the same turf grip and walking comfort advantages of Black Widow plus the additions of and radiused legs for extra durability and cleat webbing for easier cleaning

RRP: RM420

(with spikes) RM400 (spikeless)

ENTREPRONEUR Challenges as a stand-alone business compared to the industry’s big retail boys. We do not have big bargaining power because unless our volumes are big, it is difficult to get better prices from the principals and main distributors. However, somehow we cope with the support from our principals, who look after small retailers like us with proper price control.

The Accidental Retailer One of the most reputable retailers in the industry, Ong Choon Beng was just trying his luck when he got his hands into golf retail over a decade ago.

When and how did you get involved with golf retail? We opened this outlet in 1998 – it smacked right in the middle of the economic recession. Before that, I was involved in trading machineries (Ong comes from an engineering background) but I thought it was time to try something new on my own and I divested my shares in the trading company. My family had two adjoining shoplots in Taman Desa, which were unoccupied. I had a chat with my wife Hannah Loke and we did some research on what business we should venture. Coincidentally, I had just started playing golf then. I saw a window of opportunity – there was not a golf outlet in the vicinity of Old Klang Road. That is how Desa Golf House came into being. You were a novice in a niche industry. How did you build your contacts with suppliers? To be honest, I bought golf magazines and called all the advertisers such as MST Golf, PanWest and many others, telling them that I wanted to buy supplies. I was lucky because I had a working capital of RM100,000 to RM150,000, so I was able to stock up adequately. A contractor friend volunteered to do up my shop for free – all he wanted was for me to pay his staff’s wages – which I joyfully accepted.

Wasn’t it a risky manoeuvre to get into golf – it being a high-end business during the recession? Not really, we just kept our overheads low and that saw us through the tough economic climate. We had a steady clientele from the neighbourhood as more people had time for golf since there was not much work to be done! Many have remained my regulars until today.

How would you describe your customer base? They are mainly from the upper middle to high income groups. Most of my customers are elderly business owners who are not so enticed by technological advancements in the clubs. They are looking for game-improving equipments with which they are comfortable. We also have a strong pool of clients who are Japanese expatriates. Not a believer in sales gimmick? I feel that we are not the cheapest in the market but we offer honest prices for a stand-alone retail outlet. Good after-sales service is another of our strong points. Plans for expansion. Another outlet is not in the consideration, as my wife and I are kept occupied here. It is difficult to get long-term loyal staff these days, unlike David who has been with us for a long time. Maybe we might expand our current shop if business remains positive. How would you describe your wife as a business partner? We have our differences, it is only normal for a husband-wife team. We have gotten used to it; I concentrate on the operations side while she takes care of the paperwork and accounting.

Were there any obstacles you encountered in the early days? Product knowledge – I just stocked up on everything and anything I could get my hands on. I did not know what could sell and what did not. We took it easy in the first couple of years – we were not so aggressive as we took in small volumes while studying the market trends and movements. In the beginning, we used to sell more low to mid-end range of products but then we saw that there was a demand for premium brands. Now we offer a healthy mix of all products with good returns.

Describe your current golf game. I try to catch some nine-hole action before coming into work and a full round on Sundays, which has kept my handicap at a healthy 15. I hold memberships in Impian Golf & Country Club and Seri Menanti Golf Club. DESA GOLF HOUSE SDN BHD No 26 Jalan 2/109E Desa Business Park 58100 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603 7982 8631 Fax: 603 7982 8931 Business Hours: Mon – Fri 12pm – 9pm Sat 12pm – 6pm Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays

THE RIGHT FIT WITH TITLEIST Every player has a different golf swing, so it only makes sense to adjust the golf clubs to suit the individual’s needs. In this first instalment of The Right Fit, Shaun Moulds, the regional club fitter for Titleist South East Asia answers some frequently asked question with regards to club fitting. The term custom-fitting is a common phrase in golf lingo. What does it actually denote? Custom fitting is where we analyse the golfers current set make up and look at ways we can help them achieve more consistent shots. These specifications are then used for ordering new Titleist equipment. Some golfers may benefit from a shorter club, some a longer club. Some golfers may benefit with more loft on their driver, some with less. During a fitting session, we are looking to optimise the golfers’ ball flight and minimise their bad shots, ultimately leading to lower scores. Which are the common parts of the golf club that can be fitted? Essentially all parts of the golf club. Let’s look at the 910 driver and the areas we can alter it to better suit the golfer, from the head all the way to the grip. There are different model heads – D2 or D3. There are three loft options in each model. With the adjustability of the SureFit hosel we can independently change loft and lie. We can change the swingweight of the 910 drivers during custom fitting. There are multiple shaft options; we can change the length of the driver or we can change the grip and the thickness. Changing any or all of these components will ultimately change the ball flight and result of the shot. Is custom fitting suited for the more serious amateurs and professionals only or will it help the ordinary golfer improve? Custom fitting is suited to golfers of all levels. Professional golfers and serious amateurs will benefit from club fitting as too will higher handicap golfers and those just starting out. Higher handicap golfers could see a benefit of a driver fitting by simply hitting straighter drives. This could result in hitting the fairway more often and/or losing less golf balls per round, thus resulting in lower scores. Those new to golf should definitely go through a custom fitting session. Buying a custom fitted set from the start of your golfing life will ensure you don’t develop a swing that is trying to “adjust” to clubs that don’t suit you.

What happens during a fitting session? The actual process of custom fitting varies depending on the product range we are fitting. All categories we are looking to help the golfer play better golf and shoot lower scores. In all categories we test the player’s current equipment and analyse how we can help the golfer hit better shots. Can a golfer see marked difference in his game as a result of custom-fitting? We certainly have seen some golfers’ game changed dramatically through custom fitting. One customer in particular was using a very long very heavy stiff shaft with 9° of loft. We fitted him for a lighter, shorter (45”) shaft in 10.5° which was easier for him to control. This golfer’s carry distance increased by 30 metres. Not only was his distance increased, his dispersion was also tighter. For this golfer, this would equate to roughly two or three clubs closer to the green every time he hits his driver and on the fairway more often than before. It would be very difficult for this golfer’s handicap not to drop from this fitting session. What is the Titleist philosophy to custom-fitting? Titleist philosophy to custom fitting is to ultimately help golfers lower their scores. Golfers now have the best opportunity to experience a custom fitting session through our fitting network in South East Asia through authorised fitting outlets, demo days or Advanced Fitting Days. Have a question on club fitting that is not answered here? Drop us a line at mag@theclubhouse.com.my and we’ll get the expert to answer it

Hailing from the small town of Windsor in New South Wales, Australia, Shaun Moulds is a second-generation club fitter, having

tweaked

clubs

for

close to a decade. Now based in Singapore where he is the regional club fitter for Titleist SEA, the two-handicapper is discovering South East Asia for what it is but is still on the lookout for a great angling spot.

An Introduction to Club Fitting

UNCHARTED COURSE WITH NORMAS YAKIN

Normas Yakin considers himself

No prizes for guessing who the columnist is!

an all-rounder: a former cocoa

“You don’t have enough experience”

and oil planter, golf course

superintendent,

golf

club

manager, director, lecturer and consultant. He believes there are only two great mavericks in Malaysia; one of them is a

former

Prime

Minister.

Modesty, however, prevents him 30

from telling you who the other one is.

Greener pastures?

actually heard that statement twice in the first year of working in the golf course; which is the year after I left my comfortable job in an oil palm plantation. A job where I was given a hill-top bungalow, a maid, driver and other perks that many other twenty-something young men would envy. I had spent about two years in a plantation group in Sabah, managing two small estates and a whole division of new oil palm plantings. Based on the experience of my work in Sabah, I got a better job in an oil palm plantation in Terengganu. That lasted another two years before I got bored. Oil palm prices were low back then, that is: it is the same as the cost of production! Malaysia’s economy was growing and there was a golf course construction boom. I remember opening the Classified section of a newspaper and there were job openings for three golf courses! I applied for a few and went for two interviews. Managing a plantation meant I was a hands-on manager and needed to know and do many things, so my cover letter described myself as “a jack of all trades and master of some”. But when I went for my first interview, the interviewer was some kind of plant expert and after answering his questions about my name and place of birth, I couldn’t answer any other questions. What an idiot (me) for thinking that knowledge of managing oil palms is the same as managing grass! For the interview that came after that, I studied. Of course, in Universiti Putra Malaysia, I had already learnt about how to maintain grasses – there were about six 1 meter x 2 meter plots on campus, I’m not joking – and I read about all the theories. Come interview day, I was asked about many things but almost nothing about the grass. Nevertheless, I got the job.

I had to take a pay cut too, but I accepted it because I wanted a new challenge. Glenmarie Golf and Country Club was my new employer. After years of managing a thousand acres of 40-foot oil palms, it does feel weird to look after 200 acres of 1-inch tall grass. After having like, 600 workers under my thumb (insert evil laugh here) it felt lonely to manage just 60 staff that did not care what heroic feat I did previously. Work was tough, I thought, then I went home and I realized I had left the fully furnished four-roomed bungalow, which had just been painted in my favourite colour, to share a room with a friend – sleeping on the floor. My first job on a golf course was as assistant superintendent to a local superintendent who had moved to the club after about like, 200 years in a neighbouring club. Ok, maybe not 200, maybe it was 20 years. He told someone else in front of me that I don’t have enough experience. He gave me the duties of counting how many bunkers were flooded each time it rained. I didn’t have to do anything else. After a week, I didn’t even bother, I just came back with the same figure I gave him the previous day. Yeah, like you wouldn’t do the same thing too? Three months later an Australian, Martin Greenwood was appointed Senior Course Superintendent and within a month he told me directly “You don’t have enough experience”. Oh boy, here we go again – counting bunkers – I thought. Surprise, surprise; I and another assistant superintendent were told to operate machinery just like ordinary workers. The other guy jumped in his car and left the club; I jumped on a machine and left the office. Before long I’ve operated almost all machines on the golf course and cleaned the strainers of almost all the sprinklers on 18 holes of the 36-hole course. I got to know the machines, the golf course and, the mostly Indonesian, workers pretty well. By the second year, the Superintendent taught me how to use the chemical sprayer. I was spraying plain water on fairways for weeks! For my graduation, he calibrated the sprayer to put out just enough Round-Up to burn the tip of the fairway grass but would kill them if I overlap. It was done only at fairway of hole 12 and I would love to tell you that I did it beautifully but truth be told, fairway 12 was a mess after I finished. To be continued.......

COVERING CARLSBAD BY SCOTT KRAMER

wenty years ago, in my first year covering the golf industry, I needed to get a quote from Ely Callaway, the namesake of Callaway Golf, for an article I was writing. Phoning his office, I was told he was overseas. I left a message, with low expectations for obtaining the quote I needed. Within five minutes, my phone rang. It was Mr. Callaway. I asked him why he returned my call so quickly. He explained that he had instructed his secretary to page him at anytime during his Japan visit if media called, because he didn’t want to lose the opportunity for publicity. He always wanted his company to have the upper hand. And it always did, while he was in charge. How things have changed. It has now been a decade since Mr. Callaway has passed. And he might roll over in his grave these days to know that his top competitor TaylorMade is leading many of the equipment categories in sales this year, according to published reports, thanks to its two white driver lines and innovative Burner 2.0 irons. That has caused quite a stir in Carlsbad. Recent management changes at Callaway and Cobra may help both brands gain some needed market share. Callaway particularly, has ground to make up for. What was once the powerhouse of the golf industry has been losing sales and luster. Interim President and CEO Tony Thornley has promised employee headcount reductions at all levels. Running a leaner ship may help, but it will surely take some innovative new products that strike the chord of golfers, to make giant strides.

Callaway has just released a limited-edition version of its popular Diablo Octane Tour driver that sports a light-and-strong Forged Composite crown, dark, non-glare PVD finish, and a hyperbolic shape that contributes to precision thickness control across the clubface, for a larger

sweet spot. That may be a nice midsummer addition to its armor, as golfers who are struggling off the tee may need a fresh tool to revamp their driving game. But most brands still have ground to make up on TaylorMade at the Tour level, where the company is getting its typically great support from Tour pros. And it certainly helped TaylorMade that Darren Clarke won The Open Championship playing an R11 driver, Tour Preferred MB irons and Penta TP golf ball.

Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf

Titleist also scored with Clarke, who negotiated the greens at Royal St. George’s with a new Scotty Cameron by Titleist R&D Proto Concept 1 putter. Titleist was also the most-popular ball brand at the Open, put in play by 99 players. The nearest competitor had 21 balls in play. Titleist also reported that nine players in the field were competing with its upcoming 712 prototype irons.

equipment capital of Carlsbad,

Adams Golf has taken on TaylorMade’s propensity to debut products frequently, and has done very well as such. Case in point, the company just introduced new products in the past two weeks. Its a 12OS Hybrid sports the company’s Velocity Slot Technology (VST) that aims to rev up ball speed off the face for more distance. There is more camber on the milled sole plate, front to back, for less turf interaction. A slightly lower profile eases ball striking.

playing index to 5.1, raised

Calif. In his 20-plus years covering the golf industry, the former senior editor of GOLF Magazine

has

lowered

his

his IQ on the sophisticated technology used to make golf clubs, and stayed even keel on his propensity to miss short putts. But he always brings game to his columns.

In the meantime, its ultralight Speedline 9088 UL driver has a unique D0 swingweight – making it notably lighter than most lightweight drivers. This helps you release the clubhead more effectively, gain more clubhead speed for distance, and hit the ball straighter. Srixon just introduced the Q-STAR ball that offers soft feel plus outstanding playability, in terms of tuned spin, trajectory, acceleration and responsiveness. The ball features a large and resilient core, thin cover and advanced 324-dimple aerodynamics – collectively yielding distance and shortgame spin. It’s available in white or yellow.

Upheavel & Trend

with a grandmother who was an amateur champion golfer, Justine Moss developed a love of golf at an early age. After moving to Singapore in 1998 from Sydney, and opening her own communications company a year later, Justine expanded the writing side of her business 32

and currently writes for a number of golfing and lifestyle publications in the region, with her finger on the pulse of local golf happenings in the Lion City

Mid-year sprucing up

Hole 7, Jurong Country Club

he last few months have seen a sprucing up of sorts for two country clubs located in the west of Singapore. Jurong Country Club (JCC) finally completed its renovation of its front nine after some delays due to flash floods in Singapore in mid-2010. The new nine opened in May for members, guests and visitors in June, and will remain the only ones to play on for the moment as work has now begun on the remaining holes, with the whole 18-hole project amounting to $23 million. Renowned Australian golf architect Ted Parslow was engaged and he, together with Jurong Country Club Project Manager and Golf Course Manager Kok Cheong Ming, and the landscape designer came up with a whole number of ideas. For those familiar with the old layout, there are obvious changes – for example more fairway and green bunkers line the course, water hazards have expanded into one on holes two, six and seven, and fairways have been lengthened and widened. While all are unique in their own way, a couple of the holes deserve a mention. The opening hole, a par-5 that measures 459 metres from the blue tees, now has a wider fairway. Bunkers flank the left and right sides of the fairway, yet it is a rather pleasant leisurely hole to ease yourself into your game. An eagle opportunity beckons for long hitters as the right fairway bunker has a carry of 230 metres. Nevertheless, a birdie or par here for higher handicappers is very possible. The signature par-3 sixth is a true riskreward hole. Do not overshoot, otherwise you’ll end up in a bunker, and keep left to avoid sending your ball into the large water hazard. Extra bunkers flank hole seven’s fairway on the left so try and keep it down the middle to avoid the lake on the right. Those feeling confident can hit across the lake –a carry of 250 metres is necessary – but I would recommend driving down the middle before attempting to land on the heavily bunkered green with your second shot.

Even though these new holes are worthy of a few rounds either via buggy or trolley, once the full 18 are finished, JCC, which also offers night golf, will be transformed into a truly superb layout. Another club just down the road from JCC which has also undergone a renovation, albeit a different kind, is Raffles Country Club which unveiled its new $9.5 million Golfing Wing at the beginning of July in conjunction with Raffles Charity Day. In the presence of 300 members and guests, Guest of Honour Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong officially opened the large, modern and comfortable structure which now houses a new inviting lounge area, as well as a spacious, revamped men’s and ladies’ locker and changing room facility.

Growing up in a golfing family

GOLFING TALES FROM THE LION CITY

Raffles’ new golfing wing

A total of $240,000 was raised at the Raffles Charity Day which was held during the weekend of July 2nd and 3rd, benefitting a number of organisations including Handicaps Welfare Association, Metta Welfare Association and Home for the Aged Sick. In addition, $60,000 of the money will be used to fund bursaries and scholarships for 130 students from a number of neighbourhood schools. Simon Yuen, President of Raffles Country Club was thrilled with the success of the Raffles Charity Day weekend. “We were absolutely delighted to have ESM Goh here to witness the unveiling of our new, modern, state-of-the-art golfing wing. The completion of this building is yet another piece in the puzzle towards creating a unique and exclusive club for our members.”

SUN, SAND, GOLF You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong with a weekend getaway at the Swiss-Garden Golf Resort & Spa Damai Laut By Edward Saminathan

& MORE

In Essence Location A scenic four and a half hours scenic drive from Kuala Lumpur or two hours from Penang Architecture Strong Peranakan heritage with hints of Mediterranean influence View Lush tropical rainforest, wetlands and not forgetting countless sunsets by the beach Ambience Quiet and private yet family-friendly with beautifully landscaped gardens and large open spaces Rooms Guests have the choice of deluxes and suites at this 300-room resort. All rooms are comfortably appointed with a private balcony overlooking the Dinding Straits or offering a cool vista of the virgin forest Food A healthy mix of local, Asian and Western cuisines are available at the resort’s six restaurants and bars. Notable favourite is the Thai Taste Restaurant, a quaint little establishment that dishes up some mouth-watering Thai dishes Golf The adjacent Damai Laut Golf & Country Club is a typical Ronald Fream-crafted links – each hole is sculptured individually into the natural setting of the landscape. Dotted by lakes, the course is pleasant to the eyes and challenging to all levels of golfers. Spa Pamper yourself at the Balineseinspired Samsara Spa. The house signature massage – Samsara Signature – is just what the chiropractor orders after a round of golf Price From RM198 (US$66) www.swissgarden.com Verdict Ideal for couples seeking a private getaway or for stressed-out executives yearning for some good golf and grub.

GOLF BREAK

FRIDAY

6PM There’s nothing like a quick pick-meup when you’re greeted on arrival with a cold towel and a house mocktail after a long cross-country drive. As you saunter around the grandish-looking lobby, the calming sounds of sea reaches your ears – bliss at last! Check-in is a breeze and it’s not long before you make the short trip down the aisles to your room. Refurbished less than two years ago, all rooms are classic in setting, taking upon the Straits’ strong Peranakan heritage with hints of Mediterranean influence and is wellappointed with modern amenities. A seafacing deluxe is always recommended with its breath-taking views of the shimmering waters of the Dinding Straits and the refreshing sea breeze. 8PM A good scrub later, it’s time to fill up on some nice dinner and it’s usually the case that one is not looking forward to another drive out. An authentic Thai dinner at the aptly named Thai Taste Restaurant fits the bill perfectly. Fresh and quality seafood – readily available

from the nearby fishing hub of Pangkor – plus the masterful touches of the native Bangkok chef make this a worthy experience, as good as any posh Thai joint in the city. 10PM Looking for a nightcap? Head on over to The Blue Chip Lounge for a couple of beers or get the friendly bartender to fix up your favourite digestif while being entertained by the house band. You’re on holiday, so why retire to your bed early?

SATURDAY 8AM A quick bite earlier at the Garden Terrace and it’s time to take the short drive to the Damai Laut Golf & Country Club for a round of golf with your mates. The simple clubhouse is functional at best but don’t let yourself be fooled as a superb Ronald Fream-designed championship links awaits you inside. Noted as one of the most challenging resort layouts in Malaysia, the relatively flat tract snakes its way around wellpositioned ponds and sand hazards, dotted with mature palm trees while the thick natural vegetation provides a stern penalty for those straying off the fairways. Arguably, the back-nine can make or break your round and the closing stretch offers some of the course’s best holes. The very attractive island par-three 13th is uniquely flanked almost entirely by

GOLF BREAK

sand rather than water while the parfour 15th, like the earlier tough par-five fifth plays into a green at the ocean’s edge - affording a wonderful view of the Senangin Bay. Non-golfers can take advantage of the scheduled shuttle to Lumut Waterfront and Manjung towns for some ‘fishy’ or souvenir shopping. You may also book a special cruise (called the Pangkor Drop) to spend a half day touring the pint-sized island across the resort. Nature lovers can also explore the diverse ecosystem at nearby Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve or go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of Teluk Penyu. Children (and those young at heart) will be thrilled by a visit to the Segari Turtle Sanctuary, where conservation efforts are underway to help turtles survive the threats of extinction. Ever wanted to touch a just hatched baby turtle, well, here’s your chance. 1PM A growling stomach has no place in this part of the country with a wide range of food choices available. Seafood lovers will be lost for choice in the nearby town

37 of Sitiawan – areas such as Kampung Koh and Kampung Cina are famous for their rows of restaurants – serving up fresh sea produce in a variety of delectable flavours. A personal favourite is Villa Seafood Restaurant in Kampung Cina where one can feast au natural in small kampung huts under coconut trees! It’s only natural to order fresh coconuts to complement your selection of Chinese-style dishes infused with a zing of Thai influence but if you’re up for some adventure, order a bottle of locally brewed toddy, a mild palm wine made from the sap of coconut trees.

4PM While the beach at the resort is a tad too choppy for swimming, the resort’s infinity pool complete with a kiddie pool and a cascading waterfall offers a cool respite on a hot sunny afternoon. Hungry after the dip? Drop by the Swiss Deli for a nice selection of cakes and pastries accompanied by a cup of designer coffee or premium teas. Now, back to the beach for my final appointment with the sunset. 7PM For an exquisite dining experience by the sea, head on over to The Gayam, named after the mystical sea nymph that once resided in Damai Laut. It’s a great place to wine and dine the evening away set against the beautiful colours of the horizon and if you’re lucky, the resort’s chefs may even organise a Hawaiianstyle kalua (pit cooking)! A must try if you want to impress the certain special someone.

SUNDAY 9AM Well-rested, it’s time to leave this sun-drenched paradise with a heavy heart. Time to grab some satay fish and dried seafood products before hitting the roads to Kuala Lumpur. If you have time on your side, take the longer Simpang Pulai road and check out one of Perak’s most famous landmark, Kelie’s Castle.

TEE BOX

Successful first golf tourney for Make-A-Wish Foundation

ake-A-Wish Malaysia organised its inaugural charity golf tournament at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club in early June. The event attracted a full field of 128 participants who came together to tee off the newly-minted foundation’s efforts in helping to make wishes come true for children faced with life-threatening medical conditions at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Malaya Medical Centre.

The event was followed by a gala dinner where an A-list of branded items and hotel stays were among the items auctioned while a special “Wish Adoption” was also conducted whereby four wishes of wish children were adopted. SapuraAcergy and Apache set a shining example by throwing a generous surprise at the beginning of the auction with a cheque donation made out for RM45,000 towards Make-A-Wish® Malaysia. Likewise, Maxis and Yayasan Sime Darby led the way as the gold sponsors of the event as did many other big-hearted corporations and individuals who rallied to support by purchasing silver packages. “Last year, we made 12 wishes come true (before we got our license in January 2011) and this year, we have managed to realise 14 wishes. With this event, we hope to make wishes come true for 30 more children by the end of the year,” said Melanie Bayoud, the foundation’s golf committee chairman.

Wong is King of Kota Permai Three-handicapper Johnny Wong emerged the new Kota Permai club champion after winning the men’s gross category of the club’s annual golf championship recently. In the absence of six-time defending champion Jimmy Chia who has migrated to Ohio, Wong carded rounds of 78-76-82 for a 236 total to be crowned the champion by nine strokes. In second place was Kittipat Songcha-roen on 243 (85-76-82) while the third spot went to William Cheah on 247 (81-78-88). Former state golfer Khairunhanisah Azlan Hanif (3) took the women’s gross title by four strokes with a total of 157 (78-79) while Fong Poh Choo (16) won the women’s nett category with a total of145 (70-75). Ng Thin Poh clinched the senior championship when he carded a two-round score of 154 (77-77) for a two-stroke advantage over Wong while Ng Say Hoe emerged the super seniors champion with rounds of 89 and 81 to win by four shots.

TEE BOX

The World Champions sound early warning in Sarawak A massive 34-stroke advantage saw India’s The World Champions crowned as the gross winners of the fourth qualifying round of the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship in Kuching, Sarawak recently. Played from June 13 to 16, the fourth qualifying round attracted a total of 20 teams with eleven from Australia, four from France, three from India and one each from Brunei and host Malaysia. Led by three stalwarts from last year’s overall champions My Name Is Khan, namely Amit Luthra (0), Amish Jaitha (1), Suman Puri (2) and new addition Advait Luthra (0), the quartet chalked up scores of 226 and 234 at the Damai Golf & Country Club. They ended their campaign with rounds of 233 and 230 at the Sarawak Club for a tournament total of 923. Jaitha also picked up the best individual gross title with a four-day total of 18-over-par 306. Sole Malaysian representatives Barracudas emerged as the first local qualifier to the November grand final after taking second place on 967. The foursome of Mohd Johari Mat Aris (5), Haizal Arifin Ismail (7), Mohd Zaid Osman (7) and Azman Khalid (8) carded rounds of 228, 242, 252 and 246 to finish four shots ahead of another Indian quartet dubbed Young Achievers. Consisting of Vijit Nandrajog (1), Rohit Jaitha (6), Vikram Puri (6) and Mohd Sahun (8), they combined for a total of 961. The nett category witnessed an Australian clean sweep with Keith Lam (15), Tony Lee (16), Johnny Wan (18) and Charles Law (18) of team 65+ taking the honours with 407 Stableford points. Their compatriots Sea Horses represented by Scott Evans (7), Ian Smith (10), Snow Downes (17) and Gary Bullard (18) registered 108, 107, 91 and 92 to finish second on 398 points and booked the final berth in the grand final of the Sarawak leg.

Perangsang Templer comes to landslide victims’ aid A total of RM60,000 was collected for the Madrasah Al-Taqwa in Hulu Langat during a charity golf championship at the Perangsang Templer Golf Club recently. The charity event which was organised by the club with support from Golfersmate Management Services, Fusion Excel International and Sri Narayani Foundation, attracted about 100 participants. The orphanage made national headlines when a landslide destroyed its premise and took 24 lives in late May.

Locals Alexander and Aretha triumph at Sutera Harbour Youngsters Alexander Yau and Aretha Pan made it a Sabahan clean sweep at the recent Sutera Harbour Amateur Open Championship, which was held from June 24-26 at the integrated resort’s golf club. Alexander claimed the men’s title with a three-round total of 222 for a four-shot victory over Lam Yu Shuen (80-73-73) while Aretha carded rounds of 67,77 and 78 for 231 total, three strokes ahead of Jacqueline Lau (78-79-77). Kelana Ibrahim (74-80-76) and Nurul Syahirah Nasir (77-79-79) took third place respectively in the men’s and ladies’ divisions. The two-day nett titles went to Thong Nyuk Foh (74-76), who beat Mohd Iizham Datuk Majin (69-71) on countback after both had finished on 140. Irene Teng (77-77), who garnered a 154 total, finished six shots ahead of Ramona Claire Gondipon. A total of 150 golfers participated in the eleventh edition of the event.

GOLF DIARY September 1- 4 Omega European Masters Crans-su Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland US$2,600,000

August 16 - 19 Nomura Cup Natadola Golf & Ocean Club & Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, Fiji September 13 - 15 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open Saujana GCC, Petaling Jaya September 23 -25 Terengganu Amateur Open Kuala Terengganu GR, Terengganu

September 8 -11 ISPS Handa Singapore Classic Orchid CC, Singapore US$300,000 September 22 - 25 PGM-MIDF-KLGCC CLASSIC (ADT) Kuala Lumpur GCC, Kuala Lumpur US$66,666 September 22 - 25 Asia Pacific Panasonic Open Biwako CC, Shiga Japan US$1,700,000

September 29 - October 2 Asian Amateur Championship Singapore Island Country Club, Singapore

August 11 - 14 Thailand Open Suwan GCC, Bangkok, Thailand US$1,000,000 September 13 & 29 Ladies Golf Cup Kota Permai GCC & Sutera Harbour GCC

September 15 Aidilfitri Charity Golf Glenmarie GCC, Selangor

September 5 - 8 PGM Sarawak Classic Sarawak GC, Kuching, Sarawak RM250,000 September 22 - 25 PGM-MIDF-KLGCC CLASSIC Kuala Lumpur GCC, Kuala Lumpur RM200,000

August 25 - 28 Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship (ADT) Tong Hwa GCC, Taipei, Chinese Taipei US$110,000 August 31 - September 3 Aboitiz Invitational (ADT) Cebu CC, Cebu, The Phillipines US$65,000

August 19 - 21 Safeway Classic Pumpkin Ridge GC, Oregon, United States US$1,500,000 August 25 - 28 CN Canadian Open Hillsdale GCC, Quebec, Canada US$2,250,000 September 9 - 11 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Pinnacle CC, Rogers, Arkansas US2,000,000 September 15 - 18 Navistar LPGA Classic Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Prattville, Alabama US$1,300,000 September 23 - 25 Solheim Cup Killeen Castle, County Meath, Ireland September 29 - October 2 Imperial Springs LPGA Imperial Springs GC, Guangzhou, China US$2,000,000

August 18 - 21 Czech Open Prosper GR, Celadna, Czech Republic €1,500,000 August 25 - 28 Johnnie Walker Championship The Gleneagles, Perthshire, Scotland £1,400,000 September 1 - 4 Omega European Masters Crans-su Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland €2,000,000

August 18 - 20 Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open Archerfield Links, East Lothian, United Kingdom €220,000 September 2 - 4 UNIQA Ladies Golf Open Golfclub Fohrenwald, Wiener Neustadt, Austria €200,000 September 9 - 11 Prague Golf Masters Albatross GR, Prague, Czech Republic €200,000

August 11 - 14 93rd US PGA Championship Atlantic Athletic Club, Georgia, United States US$7,000,000 August 18 - 21 Wyndham Championship Sedgefield CC, North Carolina, United States US$5,200,000

September 15 - 18 Open de Espana Femenino La Quinta GCC, Marbella, Spain €350,000 September 23 - 25 Solheim Cup Killeen Castle, County Meath, Ireland September 29 - Oct 2 Lacoste Ladies Open de France Paris Int’l GC, Baillet-en-France, France €250,000

WHERE TO GOLF - MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE KUALA LUMPUR

TANJUNG PUTERI GOLF RESORT

KINTA GOLF CLUB

MIMPIAN JADI GOLF CLUB

KUALA LUMPUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(54 holes) Tel: (607) 271 1888

(18holes) Tel: (605) 366 7270

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 787 122

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 2093 1111

PULAI SPRINGS RESORT

TAIPING GOLF RESORT

MOUNT KINABALU GOLF CLUB

ROYAL SELANGOR GOLF CLUB

(36 holes) Tel: (607) 521 2121

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 883 7500

(18 holes) Tel: (O88) 889 445

(36 holes) Tel: (603 ) 9206 3333

PORESIA COUNTRY CLUB

KUALA KANGSAR GOLF CLUB

NEXUS GOLF RESORT KARAMBUNAI

KELAB GOLF PERKHIDMATAN AWAM

(36 holes) Tel: (607) 510 1812

(9 holes) Tel: (605) 776 2396

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 480 888

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 7957 1958

STARHILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BUKIT JALIL GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

(36 holes) Tel: (607) 556 6325

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 8996 1468

IOI PALM VILLA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

BUKIT JAWI GOLF RESORT

LAHAD DATU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF ANGKATAN TENTERA

(27 holes) Tel: (607) 599 9099

( 36 holes) Tel: (604) 582 0759

(18 holes) Tel: (089) 889 288

(9 holes) Tel: (603) 2141 1113

THE LEGENDS GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

PENANG GOLF RESORT

SABAH GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF TITIWANGSA PDRM

(27 holes) Tel: (607) 652 4388

(36 holes) Tel: (604) 578 2022

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 247 533

(9 holes ) Tel: (603) 2693 4964

AUSTIN HILLS GOLF RESORT

BUKIT JAMBUL COUNTRY CLUB

SANDAKAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: ( 607) 352 4300

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 644 2255

(18 holes) Tel: (089) 660 557

SELANGOR

BUKIT BANANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PULAU PINANG

KEDAH

KENINGAU GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (087) 331 113

SHAN SHUI GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

GLENMARIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 428 6001

(36 holes ) Tel: (603) 7803 9090

DAIMAN 18 GOLF CLUB

HARVARD GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

KINABALU GOLF CLUB

KELAB GOLF NEGARA SUBANG

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 351 6813

(27 holes) Tel: (604) 458 8888

(9 holes) Tel: (088) 251 615

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 7876 0388

HORIZON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KULIM GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

TAWAU GOLF CLUB

KELAB RAHMAN PUTRA MALAYSIA

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 232 3166

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 403 2828

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 765 555

KUKUP GOLF RESORT

BLACK FOREST GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 696 0950

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 922 2222

CHRISTINE RESORT

CINTA SAYANG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF LABUAN

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 387 3000

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 441 4666

(9 holes) Tel: (087) 412 810

ORCHARD GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

DARULAMAN GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 897 7934

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 917 0001

PONDEROSA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

GUNUNG RAYA GOLF RESORT

(KELAB GOLF SARAWAK

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 354 9999

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 966 8148

(36 holes) Tel: (082) 440 966

JOHOR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PERMAIPURA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BINTULU GOLF CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 223 3322

(18 holes)Tel: (604) 459 4000

(18 holes) Tel: (086) 252 001

SEBANA COVE GOLF & MARINE RESORT

ROYAL KEDAH GOLF CLUB

DAMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 826 6655

(9 holes) Tel: (604) 731 9405

(18 holes) Tel: (082) 846 088

TIOMAN ISLAND GOLF CLUB

SG.PETANI GOLF CLUB

EASTWOOD VALLEY

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 419 1000

(9 holes) Tel: (604) 422 4894

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(36 holes) Tel: (603) 6156 6870 SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (36 holes) Tel: (603) 7846 1466 BANGI GOLF RESORT (27 holes) Tel: (603) 8925 3728 KELAB GOLF SULTAN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH (27 holes) Tel: (603) 5519 1512 TASIK PUTERI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (27 holes) Tel: (603) 6034 4722 TROPICANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (27 holes) Tel: (603) 7804 8888 BKT BERUNTUNG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6028 1841 BKT KEMUNING GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT (18 holes) Tel: (603) 5121 6552 BKT UNGGUL COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8920 2888 DANAU GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8925 8953 KAJANG HILL GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8723 9668 KELAB REKREASI TENTERA UDARA (18 holes) Tel: (603) 5513 0998 KINRARA GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel : (603) 8076 2100 KOTA PERMAI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 5122 3700 KUNDANG LAKES COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6034 2725 MONTEREZ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 7846 5989 PALM GARDEN GOLF CLUB (18holes) Tel: (603) 8948 7160 PERANGSANG TEMPLER GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6091 0022 PORT KLANG GOLF RESORT (18 holes) Tel: (603) 3176 1323 IMPIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8734 4195 SERENDAH GOLF LINKS (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6081 1077 SSG BERINGIN GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6460 0016 SUNGAI LONG GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 90762233 THE MINES RESORT & GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8943 2288 TEMPLER PARK GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (603) 6091 9630 PADANG GOLF UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA (18 holes) Tel: (603) 8946 7996 KELAB DARUL EHSAN

BATU PAHAT GOLF CLUB (9 holes) Tel: (607) 432 9221

PERLIS

HORNBILL GOLF & JUNGLE CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (082) 577 930

(18 holes) Tel: (604) 976 9660

KELAB GOLF SIBU

KLUANG COUNTRY CLUB (9 holes) Tel: (607) 771 8840

MELAKA A’FAMOSA GOLF RESORT ( 27 holes) Tel: (606) 552 0888

KELANTAN KELANTAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (609) 748 2102

TERENGGANU

(18 holes) Tel: (084) 801 119 MIRI GOLF CLUB (18 holes) Tel: (085) 416 787

SINGAPORE SELETAR COUNTRY CLUB

AYER KEROH COUNTRY CLUB

AWANA KIJAL BEACH & GOLF RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6486 0801

(27 holes) Tel: (606) 233 2000

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 864 1188

CHANGI GOLF CLUB

ORNA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

GREEN ACRES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(9 holes) Tel: +65 6545 5133

(27 holes) Tel: (606) 521 0333

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 616 3500

SEMBAWANG COUNTRY CLUB

TIARA MELAKA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KELAB GOLF DESA DUNGUN

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6751 0320

(27 holes) Tel: (606) 231 1111

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 848 1041

SENTOSA GOLF CLUB

KUALA TERENGGANU GOLF RESORT

(36 holes) Tel: +65 6275 0022

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 666 6836

TANAH MERAH COUNTRY CLUB

NEGERI SEMBILAN NILAI SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (27 holes) Tel: (606) 850 8888

PAHANG

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6592 0343 ( Garden) / 6592 0345 (Tampines)

STAFFIELD COUNTRY RESORT

AWANA GENTING HIGHLANDS

WARREN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(27 holes) Tel: (603) 8766 6117

GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: +65 6586 1240

ERA GOLF &COUNTRY RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: (603) 6436 9000

ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (6019) 255 3059

BERJAYA HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(27 holes) Tel: +65 6750 2111

GEMAS GOLF RESORT

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 288 8180

RAFFLES COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (607) 948 2687

KELAB GOLF SULTAN AHMAD SHAH

( 18 holes ) Tel: +65 68617649

ROYAL PALM SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

SAFRA RESORT & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 661 9599

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 4911126

( 27 holes) Tel: +65 542 8288

PORT DICKSON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ROYAL PAHANG GOLF CLUB

JURONG COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 647 3586

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 567 5811

(18 holes) Tel: +65 5 6560 5655

ROYAL SRI MENANTI GOLF CLUB

KELAB GOLF BENTONG

KEPPEL CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 497 9600

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 222 2585

(18 holes) Tel : +65 6375 1818

SEREMBAN 3 PARADISE VALLEY

KELAB REKREASI TUDM KUANTAN

LAGUNA NATIONAL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 633 5033

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 538 4282

(36 holes) Tel: +65 5 62481 777

SEREMBAN INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

LIPIS VALLEY GOLF CLUB

SINGAPORE ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (606) 677 5277

(9 holes) Tel: (609) 312 1963

(81 holes) Tel: + 65 6466 2244

PERAK

SABAH (27 holes) Tel: (088 ) 318 888

MERU VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

TAWAU HOT SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

(27 holes) Tel: (605) 529 3300

(18 holes) Tel: (609) 765 555

DAMAI LAUT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

BORNEO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 685 9333

(18 holes) Tel: (087) 861 888

PALM RESORT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ROYAL PERAK GOLF CLUB

DALIT BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(54 holes) Tel: ( 607) 599 6222

(18 holes) Tel: (605) 542 3266

(18 holes) Tel: (088) 791 188

JOHOR

(18 holes) Tel: (085) 421 010

(9 holes) Tel: (607) 552 2202

(27 holes) Tel : (605) 366 7433

(9 holes) Tel: (603) 3289 1069

SARAWAK

PUTRA GOLF CLUB

SUTERA HABOUR GOLF COUNTRY CLUB

ROYAL KAMPUNG KUANTAN CLUB

LABUAN

IMPIAN EMAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

CLEARWATER SANCTUARY GOLF RESORT

(9 holes) Tel: (603) 4257 2333

(18 holes) Tel: (089) 916 888

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