JITRA: A 17-year-old boy, who just completed his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, sprung a surprise win today when he emerged the champion in the BDB Masters Golf Championship 2016, beating other golfers who are more senior than him.
Muhammad Firdaus Kassim bagged the championship trophy, a return flight to Singapore and RM2,500 worth of voucher.
The young lad from Kajang, Selangor said he had been golfing since he was 11 and the title was his biggest achievement since taking up the sport.
"I hope to become a professional golfer one day," said elated Firdaus, who had participated in many tournaments and representing his state in Sukma Games but never clinched any title.
Meanwhile, Nordin Yahya was announced the runner-up and walked home with a trophy and a voucher worth of RM2,000. The third place winner, Amir Benno, took home a trophy and RM1,800 worth of voucher.
The championship, which started on Friday, was held at the Darulaman Golf and Country Club (DGCC) here.
The organiser, Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) had also offered a bungalow house worth about RM800,000 for the first player who managed to score a hole-in-one, but unfortunately, none of the participants were lucky enough to beat the challenge.
BDB group managing director Datuk Izham Yusoff said they received an overwhelming response from amateur golfers throughout the country with a total of 100 participation.
Izaham said the group managed to raise RM304,000 donation from the charity match involving 40 golfers during the tournament.
"The donation will be used to help those in need including poor families and victims of natural disasters and accidents.
"As a start, a total of RM50,000 of the fund will be channeled to four selected charity organisations.
"They are; Asrama Orang Tua Tidak Berwaris in Padang Terap, Pertubuhan Pembangunan Anak-anak Yatim Bekas Parajurit Malaysia (Kulim), Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Pendang and Persatuan Jalinan Kasih." he said.