By Danial Dzulkifly
PETALING JAYA, May 30 — Selangor is set to host two major golfing tournaments next month, reinforcing the state's commitment to nurturing talent within the sport.
The two events are the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship 2024, which will be held from June 11 to June 15, and the PKNS Selangor Masters from June 19 to June 22.
Both tournaments will be held at Kelab Golf Seri Selangor, which is fully owned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).
In a joint press conference today, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the events signify the state’s commitment to promoting golf at all levels.
“Through the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship, we provide a platform for our young talents to test themselves against some of the best juniors from across the region
"The PKNS Selangor Masters, meanwhile, is a pathway for our aspiring young professionals to enhance their playing careers, with numerous spots for Malaysians.
“Hopefully, we will see a few Malaysians among the top 10 players on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit at the end of this season, who will earn their places in the Asian Tour for 2025," he said at the club, in reference to the professional ranking system to determine the top golfers in the region.
The Selangor International Junior Golf Championship, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, will feature young talents aged 12 to 18 from across the region, competing in individual and team events for boys and girls.
The championship is expected to gather over 100 players from countries including South Korea, China, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, and the United Arab Emirates.
It is organised by UUM International School Melaka (UUMISM) and the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), and is promoted by PKNS Golf Management Services.
Malaysian participants include players from MGA's national junior development squad, the Selangor Sukan Malaysia team, UUMISM, SportExcel, and PKNS Golf Academy.
The boys' individual winner will then be invited to compete in the PKNS Selangor Masters, a professional event sanctioned by the ADT and Toyota Tour.
The PKNS Selangor Masters, returning for the third year and offering prize money of US$175,000 (RM820,750), is set to significantly impact the ADT's Order of Merit. The top 10 players at the end of the season will earn Asian Tour cards for next year.
Also present at the event were State Secretary Datuk Haris Kassim, PKNS Golf Management Services chief executive officer Mohd Zubir Idrus, ADT associate director of partnerships Ken Kudo, and Malaysian pro golfer Gavin Green, among others.
