15-Year-Old Low Wins TSM Golf Challenge

SHAH ALAM (Malaysia), Dec 5 (Bernama) -– Fifteen-year-old Low Khai Jei pulled an upset when he won the under-21 boy’s category in the 6th Tan Sri Muhyiddin (TSM) Golf Challenge at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club here Sunday. Although Low, who represents Perak, started badly on the first day with nine-over 80, he upped his game in the second day yesterday, by carding three-under 69. The zero-handicapped golfer continued his strike today as he put on an outstanding performance, producing six birdie and an eagle to card an impressive seven-under 65. Low overcame older and much experienced golfers like national players Kenneth C. De Silva of Negeri Sembilan and Mohd Azman Basharuddin of Kedah by four strokes, with a total point of 214. “Today, I’m lucky. My long putting and hitting went well. I did not expect this because I started not so well on the first day. “On the 11th hole when I did the eagle, I was actually trying for a birdie. It was a critical hole. I chose to make a long put and it worked,” he told the media after the prize-giving ceremony. Low received RM40,000 prize money and a trophy while Kelly Tan of Johor who was crowned the girl’s under-21 champion took home RM30,000 and a trophy. In the boy’s under-15 category, Muhd Naqiuddin Fuad of Perak emerged winner and received RM3,000 (US$1=RM3.17) and a golf set. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the championship founder, gave away the prizes. The TSM Golf Challenge is organised by the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf to identify and groom young golfers aged below 21, with a handicap of 12 and below. The tournament featured 75 young golfers, comprising 30 boys (Under-21), 26 girls (Under 21) and 19 boys (Under 15). -- BERNAMA