Yayasan Kecemerlangan Sukan Malaysia (SportExcel) successfully completed the first season of the inaugural US Kids Golf Malaysia Local Tour 2023 presented by Mazda, that was played at the A’famosa Golf Resort in Alor Gajah, Melaka, on December 2 and 3. It was an exciting two days for the 100 juniors, who were competing to be the first Malaysian Tour Champion in each age group, where there were fourteen age groups in total for both boys and girls. The season consists of six one-day tournaments, played in KGNS, Penang Golf Resort and A’famosa Golf Resort. Players accumulate points based on their finishing position, with the top five receiving the all star recognition, while the number one is the Tour Champion. With the 6th tournament on December 3 offering double points to the players, it was tough to determine who would emerge as the eventual Tour Champion of each age group.

A great benefit of being the Tour Champion is that their priority status level can move up a level, thus making it possible to gain an invitation from the US Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the United States (US). When they achieve the highest level in the Priority Status, an invitation to the World Championship is guaranteed. The youngest Tour Champion is 6 year-old Muhammad Qal Farez Hilmi from Sepang in Selangor. Being his first time participating in a tournament, this will be his biggest booster and motivation to take his game to the next level. It is hoped that this will spur more young juniors to have fun learning the game of golf and encourage family interaction as it is never too early to learn. The parents, coaches and caddies who have supported the juniors through the game, also deserve credit and recognition for their tireless efforts to make the event a success. “I can see the majority of the kids, if not all, were having a good time,”, said pro Koe Lai Yin. “Not there in person but very impressed with how well the event was organised, congratulations,” Koe added. Coach Fred Fruisen also praised the event, saying that the success was down to the hard work of everyone involved. “First rate event. Congratulations to all who worked hard to make it such a success. Can’t wait to participate in future events,” he said. The Local Tour started off on a good footing on December 1, after the practice round, with tournament director Allan Eng giving a briefing on the rules of golf, and together with his team of Referees, Lee Boon Seong, Yap Sin Kee and Alex Yeap, they did a “show and tell” at the Practice Green, on the rules and some common mistakes made by players.