Kuala Lumpur, November 8, 2017: One of the intrisic customs in Asia is to celebrate any major event with opening and closing ceremonies. This custom extends to sport events as well and today, we witnessed one of the most uplifting and energetic opening ceremonies with 30-drummers to welcome the participating teams. Then, the Nomura Cup was launched by a Lion Dance which symbolizes good luck and great fortune.
After a lapse of 24 years, the Nomura Cup finally made a trip to Malaysia after MGA successfully bid it at the 2015 Asian Amateur Championship. A total of 23 countries from Asia Pacific took part in this 28th edition to be held at Sungai Long Golf & Country Club from November 9-12, 2017.
“We believe this tournament is important for the region, to provide the platform for our younger and rising top amateurs to compete against their peers,” said YB Senator Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, President of the MGA during his welcome speech.
“I will be of course rooting for the Malaysian Team for a creditable finish.”
He then thanked the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation for awarding the championship to Malaysia and to Sungai Long Golf & Country Club for allowing access to the golf course and its facilities.
“We are fortunate to be here for the third time and delighted to be back in this beautiful country,” said Mr Keisuke Muratsu, Chairman of the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation in his welcome speech.
Malaysia last hosted this biennial event in 1977 and 1993 at the Royal Selangor Golf Club.
“Our collective efforts will not be possible without the support of the R&A who have been instrumental in driving the game of golf in Asia Pacific,” Mr Muratsu added.
Considered as one of the most prestigious amateur golf team championships in the region, the Nomura Cup is often regarded as the final benchmark for top amateur players contemplating their next move in the game. Often, it serves as the ultimate checkpoint for these players before setting on their journey in the paid ranks.
The last Nomura Cup was held at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi and Team Japan was crowned the Champion while Malaysia finished 10th placing. Malaysia’s best Nomura Cup finish was third placing in 1977 represented by Shabuddin Yusof, Tan Yee Khan and Eshak Bluah.
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First-round tee times for the 28th Nomura Cup at Kuala Lumpur will run from 7.30-10.05 a.m., off the Nos. 1 and 10 tees at the Sungai Long Golf & Country Club Jack Nicklaus course. For more information, please contact Bambang at 6017-2583826.