PETALING JAYA: The Grand Finals of the Prudential Astro Masters held from Nov 15 to 17 in Phnom Penh witnessed a close finish among the top three in the gross category.
The 70-player field saw 22 finalists and 48 guests fly with the event’s airline partner Malindo Air to participate in the two-day tournament held at the Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club and Garden City Golf Club.
After the final round played at Garden City on Nov 16, Mohd Hezri Md Hasan snatched the tournament from his closest rivals. The 2 handicapper won the gross division title by one shot with a two-day accumulated score of 144.
“I am surprised to have won it playing against some of the best amateur golfers in the country. My best memories was in the final round when I shot a 70,“ said Mohd Hezri, a pilot who has been playing the game for the past 11 years.
“Being in the same flight with strong players like Jung Young Guk and Jimmy Chia in the final round, and to have come out first ahead of them makes me proud indeed.
“This was my second visit to Phnom Penh and the golf course was in good shape. The Garden City Golf Club is a really nice golf course to play on.”
He finished ahead of Jung (0) who had a two-day score of 145 and third placed Chang Thean Siang (2) who scored 146.
The nett champion’s title was won by Siw Tong Larm (8) with a two-day score of 135 nett. He denied Mustaffa Yusof (15) who carded 138 and third placed George Wee Yoke Boon (4) who finished on 142 nett.
“It is great to have won the nett category but more than anything else, the tournament was a wonderful new experience for me. It is a great platform to meet other golfers,“ said Siw.
“It is great to be able to participate in the Grand Finals and I truly enjoyed playing at Garden City Golf Club today, especially when I made six birdies and one eagle.”
In a first of firsts, the prize presentation dinner was held at Hard Rock Café Phnom Penh. During his speech, Organizing Chairman, P. Jeganathan thanked the sponsors and congratulated the winners of the Grand Finals.
“I would like to congratulate the worthy champions and winners of the respective categories of the Grand Finals. The tournament went smoothly thanks to the support of our sponsors and we would like to thank the people of Phnom Penh for being so hospitable throughout our stay in Cambodia,“ said Jeganathan.
“This year’s Prudential Astro Masters shows once again that golf brings people of all races together. We are committed to enhance the event to another level for 2019, and we will continue to grow the game of golf through this effective platform.”
One of the highlights of the presentation was the Titoni Grand Lucky Draw prize of a dress watch worth RM5,000. The winner was Mohd Harull Sauren who also won the Nearest-to-Line novelty prize.
“I am very happy because this is the first time in my life that I have won a Grand Lucky Draw prize,“ said Mohd Harull.
“Now, the Titoni watch is the most expensive watch that I have ever owned in my life. I love you so much Astro Masters. Sweet!”
