Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia: A talented 10-year-old took centre stage as The Els Club Desaru Coast welcomed 100 female golfers for a memorable day of competition, camaraderie and celebration at the 2nd Els Club Ladies Open.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s tournament at the award-winning Ernie Els Signature Design Ocean Course featured female golfers from across Malaysia and Singapore, reinforcing The Els Club Desaru Coast’s position as a premier destination for ladies’ golf.

The strong turnout reflects the growing enthusiasm for the sport and The Els Club Desaru Coast’s commitment to creating meaningful golfing experiences for women.

The tournament was played in a stroke play gross and nett format, challenging participants with the course’s strategic layout, stunning coastal views and world-class playing conditions. Despite changing weather throughout the day, participants demonstrated great determination, sportsmanship and passion for the game.

The tournament concluded with a prize giving dinner, celebrating the achievements of all participants and recognising the performances of the winners.

A highlight of this year’s tournament was the remarkable achievement of 10-year-old Avelyn Tan Wen Xin who carded a 78 to emerge triumphant in the gross category. She became the youngest winner in amateur tournaments at The Els Club Desaru Coast. Suhaila Ramli won the nett category with a 67.

Harris Abdullah, General Manager at The Els Club Desaru Coast, said: “We are delighted to see the incredible growth of The Els Club Ladies Open for its second year. Welcoming 100 participants from across Malaysia and Singapore is a testament to the growing enthusiasm for The Els Club Ladies Open.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see golfers returning while also welcoming many new faces to The Els Club Desaru Coast. Beyond the competition, this tournament is about bringing people together, building friendships and celebrating a shared passion for golf. We are especially proud to witness history being made with our youngest-ever amateur champion, which reflects the bright future of the sport.”

Edwin Check, Director of Sales & Marketing of The Els Club Desaru Coast, said: “From a destination and event perspective, this year’s The Els Club Ladies Open exceeded our expectations. The overwhelming response from golfers travelling from northern and central Malaysia, Johor and Singapore, reinforces Desaru Coast’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for premium golf experiences.”

With a diverse range of sporting, wellness, leisure and hospitality offerings, Desaru Coast enables visitors to complement their golfing experience with a variety of activities across the destination. The tournament also adds to Desaru Coast’s growing calendar of sporting events, supporting its ambition to strengthen Johor’s position as a leading sports tourism destination and further establish Desaru Coast as a premier destination for sporting events, from regional tournaments to large-scale international competitions.

*The Els Club Desaru Coast is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.