Sad questions for Malaysian golf
the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA)? What happened to youth development? When will a local win an international tournament in our backyard?
Since the inauguration of the Malaysian Open in 1962, the tournament has never seen a Malaysian winner. And the same can be said for the Maybank Championship which began in 2016.
The closest a Malaysian came to winning the Malaysian Open was in 1994 when the late P. Gunasegaran was edged by Sweden’s Joachim Haeggman after a playoff of eight holes.
However, Sabah’s Nicholas Fung, an Asian Tour professional, played the best rounds of his life to finish tied 15th at eight-under 280 in the Maybank Championship last weekend.
But it’s the sad question again. When will a Malaysian win a “major” title here?
Following MGA’s lack of transparency especially in youth development, former professional golfers Shaaban Hussin and Irfan Yusoff are doing their part in helping golf here.
“Our future and the future of golf is placed on development. Now we see Gavin Green is good but after him, who is there?
“If we don’t have the right structure, then we’re screwed,” said Shaaban.
After his career-ending motorcycle accident in 2016, Shaaban has managed to recover from depression to run his own “centre of excellence” at the Seri Selangor Golf Club in Kota Damansara.
This was a decision the 38-yearold felt was essential especially when he felt the MGA were not “moving”.
“I want to do something about it because I feel like I have to right a wrong, especially when it comes to helping youth development.
“Slowly, I want to do it right but if the MGA ask for my help, I would do it but only my way minus the red tapes.
“I aim to start programmes in schools and find way to fund the schools especially in providing them the equipment they need.
“Seeing the sad state of golf now, one has to wonder where is MGA?” asked Shaaban.
The former Asian Tour professional plans to introduce golf as a regular school activity but found that the schools have funding problem.
This is why Shaaban has pledged to look for sponsors if any school is seriously interested in the programme.
Meanwhile Irfan, winner of the 2018 PGM Global One Players’ Championship, aims to set up the Irfan Yusoff Foundation (IYF) in the hope of helping young golfers.
“The fund is to provide proper assistance and advice for aspiring young golfers to set them on the right pathway to realising their dreams.
“Apart from bringing benefits to players, it helps in the promotion of sports tourism and golf industry in the country.
“But most importantly, I believe it provides opportunities for players to play in proper tournaments at an early age as it is paramount to instil great passion for the game,” said Irfan.
To tee off the foundation, Irfan will be hosting the Road to MSSM Labuan 2019 charity golf tournament. This is to raise funds for Kedah students to compete in the MSSM Golf Championship in Labuan on April 8-11.
The tournament has received support and contributions from various individuals and companies, including Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.