RANAU: The Kundasang Highland Golf and Recreation Club (KHGRC) hopes to nurture homegrown golfers capable of carrying Kundasang’s name to the national and even international stage, with its Merdeka tournament seen as a platform to begin building local talent.
KHGRC President Suhilin Hadi said the ambition was among the longer-term goals behind the Kundasang Merdeka Golf Tournament 2026, which attracted 90 golfers to the Mount Kinabalu Golf Club (MKGC) on Sept 2 and 3.
“We hope that one day, a golfer born and raised in Kundasang will emerge and be able to carry the district’s name to the national level, and perhaps even onto the world golf stage,” he said.
Suhilin acknowledged that such an ambition would take time, but said developing talent must begin by creating opportunities for younger generations to discover the sport.
“The dream may not be achieved overnight, but every effort has to start by providing a platform, building interest and giving young people the opportunity to discover and develop their talent in golf,” he said.
He hoped the Kundasang Merdeka Golf Tournament could become an annual event and grow into an important platform not only for golfers but also for the development of the sport in the highland area.
Meanwhile, tournament Director Samsul Sinun said the two-day tournament was also organised to celebrate the spirit of Merdeka through unity, friendship and sportsmanship.
He said golf could bring together people from different backgrounds while instilling values that reflected the spirit the tournament sought to promote.
“Golf teaches us discipline, patience, honesty and respect.
These values are in line with the spirit of Merdeka that we want to cultivate in society.
“More importantly, tournaments such as this provide an opportunity for people to come together, participate in sport and build relationships in a healthy and harmonious environment,” he said.
The tournament saw Junairy Doupin emerge Gross champion, followed by Mohd Imran Poumin, Sharie Wilson, Shamry Doupin and Julbbie Sani. Hasidi Suning topped the Nett category, ahead of Lianson Juakim, Jussry Merin, Mohd Hazel Lianson and Salasri Waisin.
In the team event, Team 1, comprising players from Mesilou, Sinar and MKGC, shared the title with Team 3, comprising players from Dumpiring, Sinisian, Pekan, Kinandusan, Semuruh and Kundasang Lama. Team 2, comprising players from Lembah Permai, Cinta Mata, Kinasaraban and Desa Aman, finished second.
Azuan Asrin won the Beginner category, followed by Hali Nasim, Al-Fian Afenday, Izwan Hafiz and Mohd Asyraf Suhilin, while Asmidah took the Ladies Nett title.
Organisers also expressed appreciation to Datuk Jauteh Dikun, PPM Dounis Sany, Hj Zainurin Sahat and Puncak Kopisanangan for their contributions towards the tournament.
The organisers hope the tournament will serve as a starting point for broader efforts to develop golf in Kundasang while strengthening ties among the local community through sport.