
Mantin, Negeri Sembilan: Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club and Saujana Golf & Country Club today earned the bragging rights as the country’s best after their respective pairings emerged as the men’s and ladies’ team champions in the 18th AXA Affin General Insurance National Inter-Club Team Championship.
The two-day championship which ended today at the Staffield Country Resort saw a battle royale of clubs with a total of 33 pairs in the men’s division and 14 teams in the ladies championship, which was making its debut this year.
Led by the powerful combination of Haji Soldin Sidol and his sparring partner Abdul Rahman Harun, Nilai Springs totalled 310 (154-156) to claim a dramatic one-stroke victory over the Marsidi Adnan and Mohd Zamree Abidin of Perangsang Templer Golf Club on the final hole, courtesy of a par-putt by the Soldin.
Despite starting the day with a four-stroke advantage, Nilai Springs found themselves under pressure from the word go and after several exchanges of the lead, the duo of Soldin and Abdul Rahman were glad to be able to lift the championship.
“It wasn’t easy as our competitors from Perangsang Templer were breathing down our neck, especially men’s individual champion Mohd Zamree Abidin, who shot the round’s best of 74 today. The conditions were good but we knew we had a fight in hand,” said Soldin, who was playing in his first national inter-club alongside his seasoned partner. “We’re really proud to be representing our club and we will like to dedicate this victory to everyone at the club,” added Abdul Rahman
Nine strokes behind in third was the pairing of Chen Qui Fat and Chan Yin Fei from Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia with a total of 321 (162-159).
The biggest surprise however came courtesy of the blind pairing of Stella Chau and Noor Aziah Arrifin from Saujana Golf & Country Club, who despite being last-minute replacements, strode confidently to the ladies title, notching a two-day total of 341 (168-173).
“We’re elated and very surprised to have won such a prestigious event. Both us did not put any pressure on ourself to win anything, it was just a coincidence that we were selected as late replacements for the actual representatives who couldn’t make it. While we were a little stiff in the beginning, I have to say our partnership blossomed into a real friendship over the last two days and we had tremendous fun together,” shared Noor Aziah.
The combination of ladies individual champion Datin Rahmah Arshad and Siti Zainah representing Royal Selangor Golf Club combined for a 348 (172-176) total. Kota Permai Golf & Country Club mates Fong Poh Choo and Doris Yee were a further four storkes adrift on 352 (170-182).
Malaysian Golf Association president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad chief operating office Tan Sek Kee and Berjaya Club director Khor Poh Hwa graced the prize presentation.