Abu Samah, Mohd Hairul triumph at tough Orna challenge

PETALING JAYA: The undulating fairways and greens of Orna Golf & Country Club in Malacca proved to be a formidable challenge for the participants of the 2018 Prudential Astro Masters (PAM).
On a cool and cloudy day, only eight players out of the 120-player field managed to break 80 over 18 holes designed by Andy Dye.
Abu Samah Kechil and Senin Rahman both returned with identical gross scores of 3-over 75. However, 4-handicapper Abu Samah won on countback due to a better back nine score of 38.
"I am very happy to qualify for the Grand Final in Phnom Penh," said an ecstatic Abu Samah, a member of Orna. "I never expected the victory but my local knowledge of Orna's layout proved vital."
The Nett champion joining Abu Samah on the Malindo Air flight to the Grand Final in Phnom Penh will be Mohd Hairull Bin Sauren. The latter, who plays to a handicap of 17, signed for a Nett score of 67.
Meanwhile, the A Medal category needed a countback to determine the top three winners who all signed for a Nett score of 69. After a countback, the champion was Md Saffian Othman (8) followed by Zaidi Johari (10) and Sarpan Sapari (11) who returned with a Nett score of 69.
The B Medal category spots were taken by 14 handicappers. Kasran Terubos emerged as the champion with a Nett score of 70.
Azli Bin Norali (HCP 23) was the champion of the C Medal category when he returned with a Nett score of 67.
In the Novelty category, the Nearest-to-Line hole at the par-4, 335m 13th hole was won by A. Rahman Ismail. He walked home with a golf shaft sponsored by Vin Sporting House.
The winner of the Longest Drive equalled the current 2018 Prudential Astro Masters record of 270 metres. Abd. Mutalib Bin Shafie produced his monster drive on the 378-metre par-4, third hole to win a Bridgestone J40 5 Wood.
The Sure-to-Win prize of a 65-inch Panasonic LED full-HD TV was won by Sazali Kadlan. His tee shot on the 165-metre par 3, 8th hole was closest to the cup at 5 ft and 2 in.
One of the highlights that participants look forward to in the annual PAM event is the Grand Final that is traditionally held overseas. The Grand Final has been held in eight countries, including China, and last year celebrated its 20th Anniversary in Muscat, Oman.
This year the two-day Grand Final travels to Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the battle for the Champion of the Year will be held at the Grand Phnom Golf Club and Garden City Golf Club.