The 6th edition of the Tourism Johor Golf Tournament 2023 for the Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy unfolded at The Els Club Desaru Coast – Ocean on November 18, 2023. A total of 132 local and international golfers participated in the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA) organised tournament.
During the lunch and prize presentation, Colonel Mohd Jamal Salleh, the President of JGTA, warmly greeted the 132 enthusiastic golfers participating in the 6th Tourism Johor Golf Tournament 2023 for the Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy. The diverse line-up featured golfers from eight countries: Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Scotland, South Africa, and Australia.
He said, “Every year, the registration for this tournament surpasses our initial target of 120 participants. This year, the final count revealed a remarkable assembly of 132 golfers, constituting a diverse and dynamic field. The international representation not only underscores the tournament’s growing acclaim but also solidifies its status as a must-attend event on the yearly calendar. The resonance of this royal tournament has transcended borders, creating a melting pot of golfing talent and camaraderie that showcased Johor as a thriving hub for the sport on the world stage.”
Since its inception in 2017, the Tourism Johor Golf Tournament for Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy has been an annual spectacle, delivering a unique golfing experience to participants. Beyond the greens, the event serves as a nexus for building and strengthening networks and camaraderie among golf enthusiasts in Johor, neighbouring states, and nearby countries.
Col. Jamal added, “It is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity for passionate golfers to revel in the joy of the sport, enjoying the lush landscapes and the beautiful ocean of the golf course. Every year, with unwavering dedication, we aim to craft an event that not only promises a day immersed in the thrill of golf but also offers a feast for the senses and the chance to win a myriad of exciting prizes. From the moment golfers arrive to their departure, the focus remains on creating memorable moments and a good time for all.”
The tournament not only showcased a diverse attendance but also embraced the growing influence of women in golf. Among the participants, five lady golfers from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore added a touch of grace and skill to the competition. With an unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity in the world of golf, Col. Jamal passionately encourages more women to grace the fairways in the upcoming tournaments. He expressed his hopes for an even greater turnout of ladies in the 7th edition of the tournament in 2024. In a commitment to recognising and celebrating the prowess of female golfers and equal representation in the next edition, the organisers aim to offer more enticing prizes in the ladies category, provide special rates and extra goodies to inspire and empower women to embrace the joys of golf.
Col. Jamal, brimming with enthusiasm, hopes to welcome golfers from neighbouring states to foster a sense of unity among Malaysian golfing communities.
In pursuing JGTA’s dream to establish Johor as the ultimate golfing holiday destination, this royal tournament is a crucial player in realising this ambitious goal. From the verdant fairways to the elegant clubhouse, JGTA curated an experience that transcended the ordinary, with lots of food and drinks on the golf course such as Red Bull, 100 Plus, Yakult, Still mineral water, Marry Brown burgers, cendol and various flavoured apam balik from Bandar Penawar adding an extra layer of indulgence for the participants on that day.
The excitement soared with enticing hole-in-one prizes, featuring not just four coveted cars – Maxus T60 sponsored by Weststar, Toyota Corolla GR Sport and Perodua Aruz X both sponsored by LHG, and Mitsubishi Triton sponsored by EON Auto Mart but also an abundant assortment of beauty products worth RM10,000 each at all par 3’s, courtesy of Luxasia from Singapore, and a prestigious Titoni watch sponsored by ATG Watch.
Beyond the main prizes, the tournament also boasted an array of novelties, including awards for the Nearest to the Line (NTL), Nearest to the Pin (NTP), and the Longest Drive. Adding an extra dash of thrill for the participants, there was also an “On-the-Green” Challenge at Hole #6 Lakes, Ocean Course that added excitement. Sponsored by Hospitality 360, participants had the chance to vie for 2D/1N accommodation vouchers with breakfasts at sought-after locations like Ramada Suites by Wyndham KLCC, Trinidad Suites Puteri Harbour Johor, Shahzan Hotel Kuantan, and Ramada by Wyndham Langkawi Marina. About 40 participants clinched these exciting “On-the-Green” Challenge prizes, adding a delightful twist to their tournament experience. The other prize bonanza also includes a plethora of lucky draw prizes.
Beyond the thrill of holes-in-one, novelties and on-the-green challenges, the main tournament prizes took centre stage. The overall gross champion secured the prestigious Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy and a personalised trophy, marking his triumph in the elite category. Additional main prizes included the gross champion and top three nett for Division A, B, and C and nett champion for the ladies category. Below are the names of the winners at the 6th edition of the Tourism Johor Golf Tournament 2023 for the Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy:
Overall Champion (Gross): Raja Amin bin Raja Azhar (Hcp 15) won the Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy & a personalised trophy
Overall Champion (Nett): Zulkifli Azahari (Hcp 10)
Division A
Winner (Gross): Mohd Sukhri Alias (Hcp 15)
Champion (Nett): Nazarodin Razak (Hcp 14)
1st Runner-Up (Nett): Effendi Othman (Hcp 15)
2nd Runner-Up (Nett): Jais Basiran (Hcp 15)
Division B
Winner (Gross): Saiful Supar (Hcp 16)
Champion (Nett): Mohd Ekhwan (Hcp 16)
1st Runner-Up (Nett): Syed Harith (Hcp 18)
2nd Runner-Up (Nett): Mohd Fadzli Mohd Najib (Hcp 18)
Division C
Winner (Gross): Dato’ Rizal Mansor (Hcp 24)
Champion (Nett): Mohd Nor Lingan (Hcp 23)
1st Runner-Up (Nett): Mohd Aqashah Kamarudin (Hcp 24)
2nd Runner-Up (Nett): Zannuar Md Dom (Hcp 24)
Ladies Division:
Champion (Nett): Datin Sri Norhidayah (Hcp 36)
The following winners won the novelties Nearest-to-the-Pin prizes:
Lakes Hole #2: Khairy Kalai
Coast Hole #3: Muhammad Aqashah Kamarudin
The following winners won the novelties Nearest-to-the-Line prizes:
Lakes Hole #7: Wu Bin
Coast Hole #7: Mohd Azizul Mohd Salim
The following winners won the novelties Longest Drive prizes:
Lakes Hole #9: Ahmad Afif Faris bin Ahmad Murad
Coast Hole #8: YM Raja Rafi
