Malcolm Ting grabs early lead at Damai Masters Amateur Open
SANTUBONG: Sarawak Sukma golfer Malcolm Ting Siong Hung shot a gross 144 to grab the lead on the first day of the inaugural Damai Masters Amateur Open Golf Championship at Damai Golf and Country Club (DGCC) yesterday.
The 16-year-old golfer from Kelab Golf Miri is only one stroke ahead of another Sukma player Aziel Teo Ken Yi from Kelab Golf Sarawak.
Kelab Golf Bintulu’s Aw Yong Jhie Jgin, who won the Samarahan Amateur Open last month, is third two strokes further while another Sukma player Matthew Peregriine Ong is fourth with 149 strokes.
Looking to have a better game today are Lau Ching Leong, Benjamin Ethan Ngelingkong, Daniel Yeo, Lee Kah Ming, Lee Ka Tiong and Lee Ka Tung in fifth to 10th positions.
DGCC general manager Roslan Mohd Salleh said the competition for the three-day event is stiff with three state Sukma players among the top contenders for the inaugural crown.
“We expect the juniors to give our top golfers a good fight in this tournament based on their high spirit and exposure in the recent Sukma XIX held in Perak.
“They are able to soak in the pressure and play well despite competing with the more experienced players like Lee Ka Tung, Aw Yong Jhie Jgin, Lee Kah Ming and others,” he said.
The event is sanctioned by the Sarawak Golf Association (SGA) and is open to those with NHS/ USGA Handicap Index 13.2 and below.
Its format is based on stroke play and the overall champion will walk home with the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Challenge Trophy.
According to Roslan, the tournament is progressing according to schedule and despite the prevailing wet weather, the golf course was playable with the participants showing better results after two days of competition.
Meanwhile, today’s final round will also include the Invited Guests category with over 50 golfers including SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain and other local dignitaries.