Brunei Darussalam star Awangku Muhammad Syakir bin Pengiran Haji Alli emerged champion of the 25th Baiduri Masters after registering a record-breaking score of 67 in the men’s gross open following a prize presentation ceremony at the Mulia Hotel yesterday.
The newly-crowned winner became the first recipient of the new Challenge Trophy and received the coveted Green Jacket.
Awangku Muhammad Syakir also holds the distinction of winning a quartet of major domestic trophies including the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club Amateur Open, Pusat Ehsan Charity Golf Tournament and the BDGA Open.
The national golfer also dedicated his triumph to 2019 Baiduri Masters champion Mohd Aritz Maldini bin Haji Abdul Majid, whom he described as his comrade, brother and best friend.
Lai Suan Loong finished as runner-up with a score of 70 while Irwan Hamid was third with a score of 71.
Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud was the guest of honour at the event.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the Green Jacket was also presented to the Ladies’ champion Agnes Hiu.
Meanwhile, Almas Syazwanie Kamis emerged winner of the ladies nett category followed by Agnes De La Cruz as first runner-up.
Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui said, “Since the pandemic, we had to put this fundraiser event on hold but now we are back in full force and ready to give back to our community.”
He added, “And so was 740 golfers over the past two weekends making it the biggest golfing event in Brunei this year.”
To celebrate the Baiduri Masters’ Silver Jubilee, a new Challenge Trophy was introduced.
A total of BND65,000 was also presented across four non-profit organisations, namely Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, Learning Ladders Society, Children’s Cancer Foundation and Community Development Department (JAPEM).
The tournament, which was held in consecutive weekends, was supported by the MCYS. – Fadhil Yunus
