Something's brewin' down south
Johor remains a favourite stop-over for the Carlsberg Golf Classic
Written by Edward Saminathan
Anyone who has driven down the winding North-South Expressway to the southern state of Johor will testify that oil palms dot the state's landscape as far as the eyes can see. Similarly, the state boasts the largest number golf courses in Malaysia, ranging from state-of-the-art designer layouts to laid-back walking nine-holes dating back to colonial times. Attracting a large number of golfers from neighbouring Singapore, it's without doubt that Johor is a vibrant destination for golf.
This year, 11 of the Carlsberg Golf Classic's 40 legs are scheduled to be held in Johor – a recognition of the state's strong golfing culture and the unyielding support displayed by clubs and golfers to the Carlsberg brand.
For the third year running, the Legends Golf & Country Resort features in the Golf Classic calendar and there is no one more excited about the event than the club's assistant general manager, Robert Reynolds. Reynolds, who makes it a point to have a round of golf with his members during the Golf Classic, reckons he knows why the event is such a big hit in Johor.
"Well, the free flow of beer is surely an attraction but I don't think it's the only reason why so many golfers look forward to the event. The Carlsberg Golf Classic has always offered premium goodie bags, with good quality shirts and caps, which I think many golfers find pride in using regularly after the event," says the affable Australian. "But more importantly, friends are able to come together for golf and some drinks in a fun and light-hearted setting, without getting too competitive like the other open events.”
The Legends leg, held on July 31 was over-subscribed close to a month before the event with Reynolds having to apologise to many late-comers. "I think we had a full-house after just one e-mail blast. We had many members calling up asking if there were any extra slots or pull-outs but I think no one wants to give this event a miss," he said.
A full-field of 132 golfers took to the Arnold Palmer-designed course at noon and with the sun proving merciless, there were smiles of relief on many faces as they trudged back to the clubhouse to ice-cold glasses of Carlsberg beer after their rounds.
The share of the spoils were evenly distributed with locals emerging tops in the gross category and the strong Singaporean pack taking the nett category. Sutanto Sanarja can look forward for a second shot at glory at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club this December as he fired a 77 to take the gross title. The six-handicapper, who also made it to the 2008 National Finals, had a lower front nine to thank as he finished just one stroke ahead of runner-up Mohd Zaidi Zakaria (4) and third-placed Said Bukhari (5) who finished on 78.
Having missed out on the Carlsberg Golf Classic last year due to injury, Sutanto is raring to have another go at the National Finals this time around. "There will be no first-time jitters this time around, I can guarantee that! I've actually played at Kota Permai a few times after that, so I think I have enough training to tame the course this time around. I was fairly confident today, the course was immaculate and I played quite well," said the Golf Classic regular.
The same cannot be said of Francis Lee (22), who emerged the nett champion. The Singaporean was pleasantly surprised when his name was announced as the winner. "I'm surprised as much as any one else to be honest. I've always enjoyed playing here – this being my regular golf course in Malaysia and I just played my normal game today," said Lee, who was only playing in his second Golf Classic, having participated at the Legends leg in 2009.
Having never played at Kota Permai before, Lee is looking forward to the experience. "My friends told me that Kota Permai has previously hosted the Malaysian Open and I'm looking forward to challenging myself at the National Finals" he added. Chris Kwang (14) finished second on 67, side-stepping Koh Chin Min (20) on countback.
The Carlsberg Golf Classic will resume this month after taking a short break in respect of the fasting month of Ramadhan.
