Published July 17, 2008 on August 2, 2018

Prudential Astro Masters First Qualifiers for Grand Finals in Cambodia

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Kota Permai’s Jimmy Chia (1) returned with a one-under-par 71 score to capture the gross title in the first qualifying round of the Prudential Astro Masters (PAM) at the Graham Marsh- designed Tropicana Golf & Country Club. Chia finished eight strokes ahead of Kamaruzaman Kamarudin (9) who bagged the nett title. Chia and Kamaruzaman are the first qualifiers to book their space at the Grand Final in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Chia who has been playing golf for 20 years now and a seasoned PAM participant, was an ecstatic champion and had actually signed up for two qualifying rounds.

“I played pretty well today. At my last round here, I shot 81 in the final day of our club championship that took place a few days ago. So, today’s 71 kind of proved that I’ve still got it,” said Chia who also won the longest drive prize. “I actually signed up for two qualifying rounds this year, today’s round and another in Kota Permai. Guess I don’t have to play the Kota Permai leg now that I’ve won today!”

“I’ve taken part in so many Prudential Astro Masters until I can’t even remember how many, but I do remember winning the final once at Hainan Island in China. Two years ago I came in second in Pattaya, Thailand,” added Chia, a full-time golfer. “For me, playing the PAM is a must every two years. There’s a chance to win the huge 65-inch TV, a chance to travel overseas and play some of the best courses out there, and compete with some of the best players.”

In the Novelty category, the Nearest-to-Line at the Par-4, 363-metre 7^thhole was won by Faiz with an effort of 5 inches. Meanwhile, Amir Rashdi Abdullah hit a sweet iron tee shot to win the Sure-to-Win prize of a 65-inch Panasonic LED full-HD TV. Amir’s skill saw his ball rest 4 feet from the cup.

The first qualifying round which saw an eager field of 120 golfers was oversubscribed, much to the delight of the organisers.

“It is great to see the high level of amateur golf in this event. Jimmy and Kamaruzaman epitomize what the Prudential Astro Masters is all about. They are worthy champions who train hard to be good golfers at the club level and I would like to congratulate them for making the Grand Final in Cambodia,” said Organising Chairman, Mr P. Jeganathan. “The PAM has been running for the past 21 years, and it was great to see the camaraderie and friendship amongst the golfers and sponsors today.”

 

RESULTS

Gross Champion

Jimmy Chia (1)                                   71

 Nett Champion

Kamaruzaman Kamarudin (9)         70

 

A MEDAL

Jihati bin Jamaluddin (11)                           70
Muhammad Haslam bin Baseran (10)      71
Kelvin Chai Chew Wah (11)                          72

 

B MEDAL
Abdul Hakim Mohd (13)                      70
Saharuddin Mat Nor (17)                     71
Hazlan bin Hashim   (14)                     73

C Medal
Lew Chee Keam (19)                                          70
Abdul Muhaymin Abdullah (19)                      71
Mohd Yusree bin Mustafa (19)                        73