Desaru Coast, Johor Bharu, Malaysia: Charity was the big winner at the fourth edition of the Tourism Johor Golf Tournament for the Tunku Panglima Johor Challenge Trophy.
Organised by the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA) and supported by Tourism Johor and Tourism Malaysia, the event attracted a 166-strong field and raised more than RM1.12 million to benefit the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation from partnership contributions, sponsorships in cash as well as from sales generated through an auction.
A Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, the Els Club Desaru Coast hosted the event with 58 low handicappers competing over the Valley Course in the Championship category, and 108 players signing up for the Open category on the Ocean Course, including His Highness Tunku Putera Johor.
The tournament marked a historical moment when His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar graced the Royal Luncheon and prize presentation, which was attended by 220 guests, made up of participants, partners, sponsors and dignitaries.
Among the dignitaries were The Honourable YAB Dato’ Hj Hasni Mohammad, Chief Minister of Johor, YB Dato’ Hj Azmi Rohani, Johor State Secretary, YB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chairman of the Johor State Tourism, Youth and Sports Committee, and YB Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Colonel Mohd Jamal Salleh, President of the JGTA, said: “There are no words to describe how deeply blessed we feel to be given this privilege to host the fourth edition of this tournament at an exquisite golf course and setting a new record with 166 participants coming from many parts of the country, particularly Johor, as well as international golfers from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan, Korea and Indonesia.
“JGTA humbly expresses our sincere gratitude to have the gracious presence of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar at the Royal Luncheon and prize presentation.”
Col Jamal added: “After months of lockdown and MCO, it is JGTA’s hope to see this tournament jump start the golf industry and bring back the glorious days of golf tourism to Johor Darul Ta’zim.
“JGTA hopes that this tournament will make a great headway to 2022 and expedite the road to recovery for our tourism industry. We wish to see more tournaments that are able to attract participation, not only from within Johor but more so from other parts of the country.”