Four atop leaderboard on first day of Open

KOTA KINABALU: Hilmi Abd Rahman (MGA), Mhark Fernando (Philippines), Leonard Chin Jiun Lik (Sarawak GC) and Muhammad Arie Irwan (MGA) each fired a 72 to share the lead in the men’s category on the first day of the 24th Sabah Amateur Open Championship being held at the Nexus Karambunai Golf Resort. One stroke adrift in second place were Wilson Choo (MGA), Chin Jun Nian (SGCC) and Antonio Asistio II (Philippines) after they each carded scores of 73. Six players namely Kalana Ibrahim (Shan Shui GC), Cho Han Jin (NGRK), Ferdinand Aunzo, Peter Villaber and Jerson Balasabas of The Philippines and Lam Yu Shuen (SGCC) shot a 74 to tie for the third place.

Meanwhile, in the ladies category, Kelly Tan Guat Chen (Bukit Banang GC) was atop the leaderboard after firing a 73. Carmellette Villaroman and Regina De Guzman of The Philippines shared second spot after carding 74 each, while a stroke adrift in third place was Ana Imelda Tanpinco, also of The Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Tourism, Culture and Environmental Ministry and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) are proud that the State raked in over RM30 million revenue through golf tourism last year. This showed an increase in revenue of RM10 million compared to the previous year with a total of over 220,000 rounds of golf being played throughout Sabah’s golf courses.

Tourism, Culture and Environmental Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said from the tourism point of view, golf tourism really indicates a healthy rise in the number of domestic and international interest over Sabah’s golf courses, mapping them as world class attractions. He said equally important is the spin-off effect it brings for the economy of the State and opportunity that it creates for the people at large. Masidi said this in welcoming the 24th Sabah Amateur Open Golf Championship’s participants at the Nexus Karambunai Golf Resort last night. His speech was delivered by his Assistant Bolkiah Haji Ismail.

“It is my sincere hope that through exposure such as the Sabah Amateur Open and various other golf tourism related tournaments hosted in Sabah, along with excellent services and hospitality, the world would be looking at our state as a premium destination,” he said. “I entrust upon you (SGA) to continue with your commendable effort in ensuring the persistent growth of the sport, while invoking international and domestic interest for the benefit of all.”

The minister also commended Sabah Golf Association (SGA) under the leadership of Datuk Robin Loh, who is also the CEO of Karambunai Corporation Berhad and Vice-president of Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), where the Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai was voted the Best Resort Golf Course in Malaysia and the Best Golf Course in East Malaysia in 2007/2008.

He was happy to note that several Sabah junior players have been selected to don national colours in various international championships, which he believes was the hard work of SGA towards its youth development programme. Through its efforts, Sabah-born golfers Ben Leong, Iain Steel and Cindy Lee are now playing in various circuits in the Asia Pacific region and the United States as golfing professionals, which Sabahans are very proud of.

In conclusion, Masidi welcomed all participants especially visiting golfers to enjoy the scenic Karambunai Golf course and at the same time make time and savour the richness that Sabah has to offer, bringing back with them the sweet memories of Sabah, the Land Below the Wind.