KUALA LUMPUR: The Toyota Tour Elite Junior Programme (TTEJP) has helped 12 junior golfers substantially improve their game.
Lim Hao Yu, Adif Haikal, Ammar Aiman, Ajmal Amin, Ammer Aiman, Wan Hasrul Daniel, Putri Natasha, Aarthi Ganesan, Andrea Chin, Nur Ain Qistina, Eireen Syafeeya and Soniya Chandra took part in the programme last year.
From the group, 67 per cent improved their handicaps while 83 per cent improved their average scores.
Eight of them won 13 tournaments domestically and internationally while 11 of them posted runners-up finishes.
Adif impressed with four tournament wins during TTEJP and also carded a joint-lowest under-par score of 66.
The 16-year-old said the programme helped him elevate his short game and course management.
"This programme has helped improve my overall game which I am grateful for," said Adif.
"Improving my course management helped me to achieve better scores and the introduction of the fitness regime and physiotherapy helped me build fitness and manage my body condition better.
"Playing against the pros was also a priceless experience. In my first tournament, I did well by finishing in the top-23. It is an experience I will cherish."
Andrea, also 16, won two tournaments and notched the biggest handicap improvement among the group, going from eight to two.
She is hoping to use the exposure she gained to secure a full scholarship to pursue college golf in the United States.
"Golf is a fantastic sport that improves your mental and physical wellbeing and I would like to encourage all young people to give it a try," said Andrea.
TTEJP incorporated various technologies to help the youngsters improve their game, this included the use of 3D motion technology, launch monitor and high speed cameras with Swing Catalyst software.
The 12 players received their TTEJP Certificate of Excellence awards at the MST Golf Arena in Kuala Lumpur recently.
TTEJP, delivered by MST Golf Academy, is a programme under the Toyota Tour and is intended to accelerate the development of golfing talent.