RANAU: The KDCA Ranau 2026 Coordinating Golf Tournament which took place over two days at the Pasir Putih Golf Club (PPGC), Ranau successfully brought together 120 players from around the district and outside Ranau, thus becoming a platform to strengthen friendships and strengthen community unity through sports.
The tournament held on June 20 and 21 was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I of Sabah Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the Sabah Minister of Works and Utilities, State Assemblyman for Kundasang and the Coordinating Chairman of KDCA Ranau.
Also participating in the tournament were Dr Joachim himself, Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) Chairman and Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman, Jetama Water Chairman Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun and PPGC President Juis Konsuling.
Speaking at the closing ceremony and prize presentation, Dr Joachim said that organising such a tournament is not only a field for recreation and healthy sports, but also serves as an important platform in strengthening brotherly relations, the spirit of togetherness and unity among communities of various backgrounds.
He said that all PPGC golf members and golfers in the Ranau district are welcome to join the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Ranau regardless of political affiliation or background, in order to foster a spirit of belonging and expand the network of friendships in the community.
“Participation in the KDCA does not only involve social and cultural activities, but also opens up space for members to expand their network of friendships, strengthen the spirit of belonging, foster community unity and together preserve and uphold the cultural heritage of the Kadazandusun community,” he said.
According to him, the KDCA serves as an important platform to bring the community together in a harmonious atmosphere in addition to strengthening cultural identity, strengthening relationships among members and creating cooperation that benefits the local community.
He also hoped that the tournament could continue to be organised in the future as an annual event that would not only promote a healthy sports culture, but also serve as a medium to unite the community through the spirit of family, friendship and understanding.
At the same event, Dr Joachim expressed his congratulations to the winners and all participants who made the tournament a success, describing the commitment and support shown as a reflection of the spirit of togetherness that needs to be further strengthened in the community.
In the tournament, Mohd Firdaus Francis emerged as the overall champion of the KDCA Ranau 2026 Coordinator Golf Tournament after showing excellent performance to finish the competition with 69 strokes.
In the Open Nett category, Khamirrol Juhailin emerged as the champion after scoring 69 shots, followed by Azlee Sayun in second place with 70 shots, while Narius Luis ranked third with 71 shots.
Also in the best group were Yusak Gopog, Gopol @ Deimi Yangkui, Tuvin Siong and Amran Marjun who each scored 71 shots.
For the Senior Nett category, Mohd Imran Pomin won the competition with 71 shots, followed by Simon Har in second place also with 71 shots, while Jarius Titin ranked third after recording 72 shots.
In the Super Senior Nett category, Koch @ Kohadie Watiman topped the competition with a score of 72 shots, beating Haji Amran Muntu in second place with 73 shots and Abdullah Keroon in third place with 73 shots.
Meanwhile, for the Ladies Nett category, Imelda Samin emerged as the champion with 76 shots, followed by Datin Buhaseh Sakunir in second place with 79 shots, while Lucy Butit completed the top three with 71 shots.
The VIP Nett category saw PPM Donis Sany win the competition after scoring 71 shots, followed by Datuk Jauteh bin Dikun in second place with 71 shots and Adrian Alang in third place, also with 71 shots.
For the Open Gross category, Gaery Doupin finished as the champion with 77 shots, followed by Victor Jarius in second place with 78 shots and Saianin Amin in third place with 81 shots. Also challenging in the category were Rasidi @ Sidut Muhidi, Elik Akimin, Junairy Doupin and Haili Salim.
In the Senior Gross category, Haji Azmi Ahmad won the championship with 77 shots, while Jassri Yussof came in second with 81 shots and Jupiri Titin came in third with 82 shots.
For the Super Senior Gross category, Jasli Haji Suratman emerged as the champion with 90 strokes, followed by Barahim Taliban in second place with 93 strokes, while Mairin Samad was in third place with 98 strokes.
The Ladies Gross category was won by Anita Silan who recorded 81 strokes, followed by Amisdah Goupin with 93 strokes and Jack Hazlyne Zim in third place with 101 strokes.
Meanwhile, for the Invitee Nett category, Haji Zainurin Sahat, Jackson and Khairol Majide Kalimin each shared the top position after recording 72 strokes.
In the side event, Victor Jarius, Jassri Yusof and Jack Hazlyne Zim each won the Longest Drive prize, while Imelda Samin was crowned the Bullseye Striker winner with a record of 1.5 inches. PPM Donis Sany also won Nearest to the Line, while Colley Salmoen won the Target Drive title on hole 16 with a record of 59 inches.
The tournament not only serves as a platform to hone the talent and competitiveness of local golfers, but also strengthens the network of friendship, the spirit of unity and the active involvement of the community in sports and recreational activities organised by KDCA Ranau.
