Johor, Malaysia: More than 330 players representing 28 countries participated in the 2019 Kids Golf World Championship Malaysia (KGWCM).

Staged at Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort, the event attracted entrants from Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, United Sates, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

Presented by US Kids Golf Foundation, managed by Concept Collaboration Sdn Bhd, and sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association, the event was being staged in Malaysia for the eighth year in succession.

Aligned with The R&A’s World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS), the international version of the US Kids Golf is open to boys and girls between the ages of five and 18. Age group winners from Malaysia will go on to take part in the European Championships in Scotland and at Pinehurst Golf Club in North Carolina next year.

Sukumaran Balakrishnan, Founder and Managing Director of KGWCM, said: “It’s such a joy to see the little ones work so hard and be so determined in playing their best, having so much fun and making new friends.

“We have seen kids playing at our tournament annually, from when they were seven-year-olds to becoming young teens. Their determination is truly admirable! The prize giving ceremony, which sees kids celebrating their success, is the icing on the cake.”

The Malaysian championship offered prizes for boys in eight categories (seven and below; eight years; nine years; 10 years; 11 years; 12 years; combined age group of 13 and 14 years and 15 to 18 years) and girls in seven categories (eight years and below; nine years; 10 years; 11 years; 12 years; combined 13 and 14 years and 15 to 18 years).

In the Boys’ 15-18 segment, there was success for 18-year-old Malaysian Nor Heikal Nor Hadi, a contender at the KGWCM since its inception in 2012.

Finland’s Niko Salmi triumphed in the Boys’ 13-14 years category, while other frequent tournament entrants who also enjoyed wins were Thais Tanjira Issaraphon (Girls’ 12 years) and Nithidpong Srichatphirun (Boys’ 10 years).