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SINGAPORE: The new leadership at the Singapore Professional Golf Association has promised a more active golf scene for golfers by organising more tournaments. And to kick-start the calendar was the inaugural President Cup.
The new President of the Association, M Murugiah, who is a pro golfer himself, understands that the way to raise golfing standards is to have more time on the greens and a decent prize purse to go with it.
And the President Cup saw a good field of some 80 golfers competing over the three-day tournament, which ended on Saturday.
It was 41-year-old Zaw Moe, a Singapore PR, who finished with a 12-under 201 total, to earn himself S$3,500 and a special victory.
Zaw Moe, champion of the President Cup 2008, said: "About four to five years ago, after suffering from injuries, I thought I will never play golf again. So I have to thank my gold teacher, Andrew Welsford and all my friends for helping me to get through all the things."
Professional golfers are not the only ones who will score from a more vibrant golfing scene. Amateurs too are set to benefit. In fact, for this competition alone, more than 10 amateurs competed - as some of them aim to turn professional.
One of the youngsters with plans to turn professional is Johnson Poh, who recently won the Lion City Cup, a regional tournament for those aged under 18. He is one of the most promising golfers to have sharpened his skills through the HSBC Youth Golfers Programme.
He said: "When I play in the tournament, normally I play with very strong players and I need to cope mentally - like if I am losing, (or) behind, how do I fight back?"
For now, the 1.8-metre tall student will have to cope with his O-Levels this year. But he plans to continue his studies in the Sports School and finally turn pro after completing his National Service. - CNA/vm
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