KUALA LUMPUR – 12 junior golfers received their Certificate of Excellence award from the Toyota Tour Elite Junior Programme (TTEJP) on Thursday.
The TTEJP, started last year, churned out results above expectations through a comprehensive eight-week talent programme that included performance, technical training, and tournament exposure.
All in all, the juniors recorded 13 tournament victories.
The 12 receiving their certificates are Lim Hao Yu, Adif Haikal, Ammar Aiman, Ajmal Amin, Ammer Aiman, Wan Hasrul Daniel, Putri Natasha, Aarthi Ganesan, Andrea Chin, Nur Ain Qistina, Eireen Syafeeya, and Soniya Chandra.
16-year-old Adif had the most eye-catching performance bagging four tournament wins. The teenager also posted the joint-lowest under-par score of 66.
He testified that the programme changed his outlook on the game, while also helping to elevate his short game and course management.
“The course management helped me to achieve better scores, and the introduction of the fitness regime and physiotherapy helped me build fitness and manage my body condition better.
“Playing against the pros was also a priceless experience. In my first tournament, I did well by finishing in the top 23, an experience I will cherish.
“This programme has helped improve my overall game which I am grateful for,” said Adif, whose father bought him his first set of golf clubs after hitting a great shot at the driving range on the same day he was 10.
Andrea Chin, also 16, said that learning how to chip in tough conditions turned out to be one of her biggest assets as the Penangite racket up two titles at the Sports Excel Premier and MGA Presidents Cup.
This led to her leaping from a handicap of eight to two, the biggest improvement among the juniors.
She wants to use the experience and exposure gained from participating in the TTEJP to apply for a full scholarship to pursue college golf in the United States.
“Golf is a fantastic sport that improves your mental and physical wellbeing, and I would like to encourage all young people to give it a try,” she said.
Under the TTEJP, the juniors underwent training regimes which improved their ball striking, swing dynamics and short game, as well as optimised their game strategy.
The programme also incorporated technology like 3D motion to evaluate their club and body movement, while a launch monitor provided club and ball data.
High-speed cameras with Swing Catalyst software were also equipped to give the players a swing analysis for improvement.
As a result, a total of eight golfers won 13 tournaments both domestically and internationally. 11 of them also posted as many runner-up finishes.
The TTEJP does not plan on resting on its laurels and aims to continue making strides for the benefit of these players.
This includes expanding the programme to one year, managing players’ schedules and tournament logistics and introducing an alumni group from last year to motivate the class of 2024.
The TTEJP is a programme of the Toyota Tour aimed at accelerating the next generation of golf champions and delivered by MST Golf Academy. – January 6, 2024