Road to Stuttgart begins for Mercedes Trophy players

Malaysia is confident that a Malaysian will qualify for the MercedesTrophy World Final in Stuttgart, Germany in October.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia yesterday launched the MercedesTrophy 2018 national level tournament which will feature nine qualifying rounds across the country starting from March 15 in Sabah and culminating with the MercedesTrophy National Final on May 8 at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.

The top three winners in each category from each qualifying round will qualify for the National Final. Subsequently, the top two winners in each handicap category in the men’s and women’s competition at the National Final will qualify for the Asia Regional Final at Sanctuary Cove, Australia on Aug 5-8.

The winner in each handicap category at the Regional Final will qualify for the World Final.

The Malaysian tournament, which is in its 28th edition this year, is open to Mercedes-Benz owners.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president Dr Claus Weidner is optimistic of a strong showing from Malaysian golfers.

“We are expecting roughly 100 golfers for each qualifying round. The response for this tournament has been very encouraging over the years,” said Dr Claus, during the tournament launch yesterday,

“The chances of us (Malaysian) making the World Final is quite good because we have some quality players here in Malaysia and also in Southeast Asia in general.

“What I have seen from the Malaysian players in the Asia Regional Final in recent seasons has been very encouraging, so I am very confident the players will be able to do it.”

Khairudin A. Rahman qualified for the World Final last year where he helped Team South Asia emerge champions.

In addition to the lure of the World Final, competitors in the national level competition will also have the chance to win a Mercedez-Benz E200 Avantgarde if they hit a hole-in-one on any of the two designated par-three holes at each course.

“Theoretically, we could be giving out 10 cars (as there are 10 rounds in Malaysia), but we will have to see how it goes,” added Dr Claus, who is also Mercedes-Benz Malaysia chief executive officer. Sutera Harbour Golf Club, Sabah — March 15th, Palm Garden Golf Club, Putrajaya - March 28th, Palm Garden Golf Club, Putrajaya March 29th, Penang Golf Club, Penang — April 5th, Saujana Golf and Country Club — April 11th, Saujana Golf and Country Club — April 12th, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, Johor — April 19th, Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, Selangor — April 24th, Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, Selangor — April 25th.

Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, Selangor — May 8th.