Golfers vow to make amends in team event

THE Malaysian men and women’s golf players have vowed to make amends in the team event after finishing empty-handed in the individual competitions.

The team event starts at the Mines Resort and Golf Club today.

Nur Durriyah Damian failed to mount a strong final-round challenge and could only finish fourth in the women’s competition yesterday.

Ervin Chang was Malaysia’s best performer in men’s division, coming in eighth.

In previous Games, the individual and team competitions were held as one, with the team standings being determined by the best three individual scores of each team.

In a bid to make the team competition more interesting, the KL Games organisers have introduced the Ryder Cup-style singles match play format.

Ervin believes the match play format makes it a more open affair.

“We have prepared well coming into this week. Unfortunately, things just didn’t work out,” lamented Ervin.

“We are aware, however, where we stand among our rivals in stroke play.

“The Thais and Singaporeans are just a class better.

“There’s no point dwelling on it and we’re looking to bounce back in the team event.

“The match play format is a different ball game altogether. With the right strategy, we stand a chance.”

Durriyah said the women golfers are in good spirits despite coming up short in the individual event.

“We may have failed to win a medal, but the three of us have finished fourth, fifth and sixth, which is not too bad,” said Durriyah.

“If we can carry the same momentum into the team event, we will be among the medal contenders.”