The Baiduri Masters drew to a conclusion tonight, with golfers, partners and sponsors celebrating three decades of community development and co-creation.
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony at J Hotel, Managing Director of Baiduri Finance cum President of the Baiduri Masters 2024 Haji Haliluddin DSP Talib said: “The past two weekends have been a wonderful journey of camaraderie and competitive spirit. The ambiance among the players was electric, filled with enthusiasm and passion. Thanks to generous contributions from our partners last year, we were able to donate 100 per cent of the golfers’ registration fees to four charities, despite higher expenses.
“I am pleased to share we have followed that benchmark this year, and the funds raised will help the five charities tonight to continue to provide welfare support and raise awareness for persons with different abilities (OKU).”
Each of the five charitable organisations – the Child Development Centre (CDC), the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA), the Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA), the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP) and Learning Ladders Society (LLS) – received BND12,800, totalling BND64,000, all from golfers’ registration fees.
“This event is not just about golf; it’s about giving back to our community while doing something we love. The Baiduri Masters is all first and foremost about making a positive impact, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.”
Irwan Hamid edged former champion Tony bin Haji Karim in a thrilling replay of hole 18 after the pair both finished the morning three-over, the clubhouse falling into an eerie silence during the showdown before erupting into cheers as Irwan putted in a birdie to clinch the title.
Seruji bin Haji Setia was one stroke behind in third, while completing the top six were Haswandi bin Haji Paun (five-over), Faiz Damit (six-over) and Bryan Chiew (eight-over).
Rounding off the 12 finalists were Haji Shahminan bin Haji Damit (nine-over), Pengiran Haji Zaki bin Pengiran Haji Jambol (nine-over), Nujaimi bin Haji Jumat (nine-over), Madan Kumar Gurung (nine-over), Asmawi Ismail (10-over) and Md Zainul Amir Abdullah (12-over).
Almas Syadzwanie became the latest woman to don the Green Jacket, her six-over effort besting a tightly contested field.
A total of 646 golfers registered for the Baiduri Masters, with a handful joining from around the region.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad was the guest of honour.
Also present was Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.
The MCYS were the official supporter of the Baiduri Masters. QAF Brunei Sdn Bhd (event partners) and Brunei Press (media partner) have supported every edition of the tournament since it first teed off in 1995 and continued their storied partnerships this year. – Adib Noor
