Jordan, Nurul Syahirah expect tough challenges

KOTA KINABALU: Jordan Mobijohn and Nurul Syahirah Nasir can expect tougher challenges in their title defences when the 27th Sabah Golf and Country Club (SGCC) Amateur Open gets underway here from March 27-28.

Tournament director Peter LK Wong said top golfers from throughout Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia would compete in Sabah’s first major amateur golf tournament of the year.

Defending Men’s champion Jordan is set to face fellow Sabahan and former winner Albright Chong as well as youngsters Suzairi Iqmah, park Sang Ho and Casper Loh.

The veterans such as Sarawak top golfers Lee Ka Tung, Alex Tiong and Wong Tung An, Sabah Golf Association golfer Chua Poh Guan and Korean golfer from Indonesia Kim Min Seok are also expected to challenge for the title.

Wong, who is arguably the most decorated amateur golfers having most of the tournaments in the past 37 years, too will be among the names to watch while his son, fifth-handicapper Jason, will also be in contention.

In the Ladies category, reigning champion Nurul Syahirah will be the early favourite and fellow Universiti Utara Malaysia student Hillferah Tan, Tham Soot Yuet and Cheryl Lo of Sabah will be among her top contenders.

The veterans such as Rokia Daud, whom like Wong had won many of the local titles, is expected to find it tough against the younger opponents.

“Close to 100 top golfers will be vying for honour in the tournament,” said Wong who is also SGCC captain.

Golfers registration as well as practice rounds will take place today and to be followed by the competitions ending on Sunday.