A golfer watches his putt during the 10th Sarawak Amateur Masters Open Golf Championship 2017 at Kelab Golf Sarawak. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Local golfers can expect a tough challenge when they meet their counterparts from Taiwan and other clubs in the country at the ongoing 10th Sarawak Amateur Masters Open Golf Championship 2017 at Kelab Golf Sarawak (KGS).
Leading the scoreboard on day one yesterday with a gross score of 74 strokes was local amateur Lee Ka Tung of Samarahan Country Club (SCC).
Lee said he was determined to win this year after losing to a young golfer Aziel Yeo Ken Yi’s in last year’s edition.
He said he was more prepared, hoping that the technical problems that ruined his campaign last year would not occur this year.
Lee admitted that he made some mistakes in the first round yesterday but was happy with his overall game.
“Some good and experienced Taiwanese golfers and other clubs in Malaysia made this year tournament more competitive.
“I never played against those from Taiwan before and they
will be the main challengers this year,” he said when met after the game.
Second on the scoreboard was Aw Yong Jhie Jgin of Kelab Golf Bintulu with a gross score of 75 strokes. Joint third were Aziel Teo of KGS and Lee Kah Ching of Kelab Golf Miri with 76 strokes.
The KGS spokesperson said the tournament would continue today to select 36 golfers for the final round on Oct 1.
The winner of the main event will receive the Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Jemut Masing challenge trophy.
Only 80 golfers competed yesterday at the Santubong and Matang 18-hole golf course.
Meanwhile, the guests, VIPs and ladies categories will take place this weekend. The tournament is sponsored by Blessed Builders Holding Sdn Bhd.