MIRI: Sarawak is banking on junior golf to strengthen its sports tourism industry as the state hosts the 23rd Sarawak Premier Cup Sarawak International Junior Golf Championship, drawing young golfers from 10 countries to Miri.
Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew said the championship not only nurtures future golfing talents but also reinforces Sarawak’s standing as a destination for international sporting events.
“The Sarawak government fully supports sports tourism as part of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, with tourism identified as one of the state’s key economic pillars.
“Golf is one of the sports that naturally promotes tourism because golfers travel to different destinations to play. Sports tourism is therefore very important for Sarawak,” he said during the tournament’s opening ceremony at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club yesterday (July 13), where he represented Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Ting welcomed participants from across Asia, noting that this year’s championship has attracted a stronger international field compared with when Miri first hosted the tournament in 2022.
“We are very happy to welcome all of you to Miri. For many of you, this may be your first visit, and we hope you will come back again,” he said.
An avid golfer and former captain of Miri Golf Club and Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Ting described golf as a sport that builds discipline, friendship and lasting relationships.
Addressing the junior golfers, he reminded them that success in the sport depends on dedication and discipline.
“The future belongs to all of you. Success depends on how much effort you put into training, how disciplined you are on and off the course, and the number of hours you dedicate to improving your game,” he said.
He also encouraged the players to make the most of the championship by building friendships with fellow competitors.
“Although you compete against one another, after several rounds you become good friends. Stay in touch because these friendships can last for many years,” he added.
Highlighting Miri’s growing reputation as a golfing destination, Ting said the city will also host the Sarawak Amateur Open in October and the Malaysian Amateur Open in December.
He thanked the Malaysian Golf Association for bringing the national championship to Miri, saying it reflected confidence in Sarawak’s ability to stage major golf tournaments.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Golf Association (SGA) president and organising chairman Hoan Kee Hock said the association hopes to expand the championship next year by attracting more countries and participants.
“We are hoping that more countries will send their top juniors here for the 24th edition and we welcome all, be it 100 players or 200 players.
“Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club is able to cater to more participants and SGA is enjoying a close working partnership with the club,” he said.
Also present were Malaysian Golf Association president Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dato Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, vice president Datuk Marina Gan, and Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club president Dato Sri Law Kiu Kiong.
