National team stalwarts Winnie Ng and Rhaasrikanesh Kanavathi emerged as the girls’ and boys’ champions respectively in the 11th TSM Golf Challenge, which concluded today at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
Their victories came in hugely contrasting fashions. While Winnie showing her rivals a clean pair of spikes with a 12-stroke win, Rhaasrikanesh had to endure two playoff holes in the blazing sun before claiming the prestigious title in dramatic fashion over Muhammad Ikhmal Basry.
Winnie carded rounds of 69, 70, and 67 at TPCKL’s par-71 East Course for an impressive seven-under-par 206 total. Liyana Durisic was a distant second on 218 (73, 74, 71), edging third-placed Ashley Goh (70, 71, 77) on countback. Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser finished fourth on 221 (74, 72, 75), one shot clear of Vinisha Gunaseelan (78, 72, 72).
Heading into the final round three shots behind Ikhmal, Rhaasrikanesh closed with a 70 to Ikhmal’s 73 to force a playoff with the duo tied on four-under-par – but only after Ikhmal had made a remarkable par save on the last regulation hole by blasting a bunker shot straight into the hole.
In the sudden-death decider at the long par-four 18th, both players traded bogeys on the first extra hole. Rhaasrikanesh sealed the deal with a birdie from 20 feet at the second playoff hole, while Ikhmal failed to save par from a greenside bunker.
The TSM Golf Challenge made a return to the Malaysian golfing schedule after a three-year lapse. Initiated and funded by the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf Foundation (TSMCG), the 54-hole strokeplay event featured an invitational field of 84 leading Malaysian amateurs across both genders aged between 13 and 21.
Rhaasrikanesh and Winnie received sponsorships worth RM25,000 and RM20,000 respectively. The sponsorships are in the form of vouchers or reimbursements for elite training at golf academies, golf equipment purchases and tournament / travel expenses. The runners-up and third place finishers in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions also received sponsorships (boys runner-up – RM15,000 / boys third – RM10,000 / girls runner-up – RM10,000 / girls third – RM5,000).
TSMCG also funds the Tunas Bestari golf development programme, where free lessons for children from as young as seven are conducted every weekend at Seri Selangor Golf Club in Petaling Jaya.
For more information, go to www.tsmcharitygolf.com.my
