Published July 17, 2008 on March 21, 2019

European Tour Stars Host Junior Clinic at Maybank Championship

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European Tour players Richard McEvoy of England and Dean Burmester of South Africa conducted a junior clinic at the Saujana Golf & Country Club driving range on Wednesday. Both pros treated the children to a few handy tips, before encouraging them to participate in novelty contests.

Speaking on youth development in the game, McEvoy commented that, “Kids should enjoy the game for what it is first and ensure that the early frustration that comes with learning the game, doesn’t affect their passion and continued effort.”

“As junior golfers, you learn from an early age to enjoy golf and experience it like it is supposed to be played – in the spirit of good sportsmanship, with an element of healthy competition,” said McEvoy, who won the Porsche European Open last season.

Burmester, who clinched the Tshwane Open in 2017 for his breakthrough victory on the European Tour, echoed McEvoy’s sentiments and added that it was always good to start the sport at a young age.

“There is an abundance of talent here (at the clinic) and I’m sure, given the right training and grooming, a number of them have the potential to be playing on the European Tour in the future,” said Burmester, who has seven wins on the Sunshine Tour.

Speaking on the sidelines of the clinic, Muhammad Rafiq, whose 14-year-old son Irfan has already had two hole-in-ones and plays off a 10-handicap, said they were “Excited and happy to be at the clinic and also was thrilled to have been invited to play in the Pro-Am.”

“This is really great,” added an enthusiastic Irfan, who has represented Malacca and receives tutelage from Shaaban Hussin. Left-hander Matthias Tew also impressed at the clinic. The 11-year-old of the Sri Kuala Lumpur School said, “I’m grateful to be able to pick up a few tips from the pros.” His father J-Leong added that it was encouraging for the juniors to get into these clinics, as they play a crucial part in the development of the game.

The junior clinic was part of the build-up to the fourth edition of the US$3 million Maybank Championship, the leading golf tournament in Southeast Asia that will showcase a quality field of players from both the European Tour and Asian Tour.