Singapore: The Asian Tour has underlined its commitment to the development of golf with a donation of US$25,000 to the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) Junior Development Programme.

At a presentation ceremony on the sidelines of the International Series Singapore at Tanah Merah Country Club, Cho Minn Thant, CEO and Commissioner of the Asian Tour, presented the cheque to SGA President Tan Chong Huat.

The Asian Tour has pledged to support communities in the destinations that host the marquee International Series events.

Cho said: “The International Series events are a wonderful opportunity for us to grow the game of golf across the region, both by bringing top talent that generates interest, and by supporting the grass-roots game wherever we go.

“We want our impact to be felt and supporting the SGA in their efforts to grow the game at the junior level is a win-win for all concerned.”

Tan said: “We thank the Asian Tour for this generous gesture. The donation will help us in our mission to grow the game and among the younger generation.

“The International Series Singapore is an important calendar event, as it puts the game of golf in the spotlight all around the world with a wonderful international field. This will certainly promote golfing interest and encourage participation across all age groups.”

The SGA, the national governing body for golf, is committed to the development and growth of the sport, with a mission and vision to promote golf among junior boys and girls in Singapore, through a framework that enables them to flourish.

Initiatives include a calendar of SGA Junior events, a Junior Development Order of Merit and the Junior Development Programme, a pathway for talented junior boys and girls, aged between six and 12, into the SGA Future Squad.

James Leow, Singapore’s top ranked male amateur golfer, is one of four Singapore amateurs competing on the Tampines Course this weekend. The 25-year-old, who comfortably made the cut for the weekend with a five-under second round of 67, is an example of the strides being made by local talent thanks to SGA support.

A National Squad member, Leow won this year’s Thunderbird Collegiate in Phoenix, Arizona, following in the footsteps of international golfing greats Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Paul Casey.

He was also a member of the victorious International team against the US in the Arnold Palmer Cup, the team golf competition for students which took place in Switzerland in July.

Closer to home, Leow won the individual men’s golf gold medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, giving Singapore a first gold in the category in 30 years.

He said: “The support from the SGA has been a big game-changer for me for the past eight to nine years, ever since I was on the national team. I think a lot of up-and-coming junior golfers and members of the national team will benefit from the donation from the Asian Tour.

“Competing at the highest level in golf is about gaining experience in adapting to different conditions outside of Singapore. I experienced that, so the donation will help the SGA and players by providing more funds for them to travel out of the country and gain more experience at international events.”

The Asian Tour’s philanthropic efforts are felt at each of the International Series destinations, with donations made to support local communities in the area.

At the International Series Thailand, a US$25,000 cheque was presented to the Bright Dawn Foundation, which focuses primarily on healthcare and education of primary school children in lower income areas around rural Hua Hin.

A £20,000 donation was also made to Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs, the region’s biggest support of junior golf, at the International Series England.

The International Series Singapore is the first of two back-to-back Asian Tour tournaments offering US$1.5 million in prize money. The International Series Korea takes place at the Lotte SkyHill Country Club Jeju from August 18-21.

The Asian Tour is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.