The next generation of golfing talent took centre stage at The Els Club Desaru Coast last week, as the Faldo Series Asia – Malaysia Championship 2024/2025 concluded with thrilling performances, unforgettable moments, and a glimpse into the future of the sport.
From April 8 to 10, 40 junior golfers competed in the three-day tournament vying for world amateur ranking points, and spots in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in Vietnam.
Malaysia’s Aiden Kei Bin Ahmad Shaharuddin was the standout in the Boys Under 21 category, producing a superb final round of 65 to finish at five-under-par (211), clinching the title ahead of Singapore’s Keeshaun Tan and Malaysia’s Ammer Aiman Mohd Fauzi. In the Girls Under 21 division, Singapore’s Denise Ng claimed victory with a composed performance, carding a total of 212 (-4) to edge out Malaysia’s Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil and fellow Singaporean Ashlynn Choo.
In the Boys Under 16 bracket, South Korea’s Maru Choi emerged champion with a total of 218 (+2), narrowly beating Malaysians Aiden Tai John Roberts and Nathan Wong. However, the most electrifying performance of the tournament came from Malaysia’s Xin Yao Wang in the Girls Under 16 category. Wang stunned the field with rounds of 69, 67, and 66, posting an overall 202 (-14)—the lowest score of the tournament across all age groups.
Xin Yao Wang with Harris Abdullah
General Manager of The Els Club Desaru Coast, Harris Abdullah, praised the players’ passion and determination. “The Faldo Series represents everything that’s great about junior golf—passion, talent, and sportsmanship. It’s an honour to witness such inspiring performances and to support the journeys of these future champions,” he said, while also thanking sponsors and partners for their support in making the event a success.
The tournament was sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association and backed by partners such as the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA), Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, and Red Bull Malaysia, among others. JGTA President Col Jamal Salleh celebrated the collaboration, highlighting Johor’s growing role as a hub for junior golf and sports tourism.
The winners now prepare to take on an even bigger stage—the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam, where they’ll test their skills against the best junior golfers from across the continent.
