KUALA LUMPUR: To mark the 50-year milestone in bilateral relations between China and Malaysia, WDA Technology Sdn Bhd and The Golf Goddess have teamed up to stage the China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations Golf Series.
The first leg of the series, featuring teams from Malaysia and China, took place at The Mines Resort & Golf Club on Sunday.
The event, which promotes the convergence of sporting prowess and diplomatic camaraderie, saw 108 golfers take part.
The series consists of six highly anticipated events, with the next one scheduled for April 28 at the Impian Golf and Country Club.
Martial Loh, chief executive officer of WDA Technology, said the events are held across various golf courses to provide an immersive experience that celebrates the natural beauty and hospitality of Malaysia.
The golf series also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Malaysia, symbolising the enduring bond between the two nations and the shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations for generations to come.
"We are thrilled to partner with The Golf Goddess to bring this historic golf series to fruition," said Martial.
"As we commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, this event embodies the values of collaboration, respect and friendship that define our bilateral ties.
"Golf is a very good sport to connect people from China or Malaysia, business people from any industry.
"The first series went really well, and though it ended in a tie, everyone is a winner," he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Ayu Jusoh, founder of The Golf Goddess, said: "The China-Malaysia Golf Series represents a convergence of sporting excellence and cultural diplomacy. We are honoured to be part of this landmark event and look forward to co-hosting this event to showcase the best of both nations' golfing talent."
Malaysia's top local golf apparel brand, Caerus, was chosen as the official merchandiser for the series while the New Straits Times Press was named the official media partner for the prestigious event. NSTP group managing editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman was also present at the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday.
The partnerships signify a significant collaboration to promote excellence, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange.
The first match witnessed intense competition among the 108 participants, with 54 golfers representing each country, competing in categories such as Gross Score, Medal A, Medal B, Best Lady Player, and the marquee China vs Malaysia Team Matchplay.
Mohammad Hisham from Malaysia emerged victorious in the Gross Score category. In the Medal A category (net handicap 1-18), Nik Saiful Lizam - captain of Team Malaysia - took the top prize.
Sun Hong Yu from China triumphed in the Medal B category (net handicap 19 and above) while Sammi Li from China was named Best Lady Player.
The team matchplay ended in a tie between China and Malaysia, highlighting the closely contested nature of the event and the shared camaraderie between the two nations.
* China-Malaysia 50th Year Diplomatic Relations Golf Series schedule
Feb 25 - The Mines Resort & Golf Club
April 28 - Impian Golf & Country Club
June 23 - Staffield Country Resort
Aug 24 - Templer Park Country Club
Oct 27 - Glenmarie Golf & Country Club
Dec 15 - Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - West Course
* Dates to be confirmed: Two additional special events at the Senibong Golf Club & Damai Laut Golf & Country Club