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Teed up with a cup of tea and 'nasi lemak'- the prelude of Malaysian International Open

As the London's weather getting colder and wetter, ushering this year's wild Autumn, Malaysia Golfing Association in the United Kingdom (MGAUK) has geared up with their golf clubs and buggies for the countdown of the First Malaysian International Open. The mega event with 100 players will tee-off at 10 in the morning this Saturday, the 14th of September, 2019. I met some of the enthusiastic gentlemen from the association at the tournament's location, Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club in the heart of the Kent countryside and surrounded by beautiful woodland.

So, let's speak golf here as the grass is always greener on the golf course.

Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club

Of course when I say greener, as MGAUK's motto, my pen also meant to write-  no favouritism, no cronism, no nepotism, no patronage or no "under the table" deal. This is  merely 18 holes game with 'official' form of play is Stableford (Putter length – Metal part). Handicap not required as the game will be based on handicap of the day (System 36). System 36 allows golfers who do not have an official handicap to compete in golf tournaments and play for low-net titles or prizes.

 " We want players of the day to see golf as a sport and socialise amongst them. This is a non-business and non-political event, So, come and have a good exercise, relax, enjoy and be fair to everyone. Let's play a gentlemen's game. " said the patron of MGAUK, Datuk Dr. Ronnie Silva. He added that this is a field for a proper golf, in a proper manner unlike in previous games under a different banner where winners will be picked out before the so-called gentlemen golfers finish their 18th hole.

From far left MGAUK's event organizer: Mohamed Mohd Salled; in the Middle: MGAUK's patron, Datuk Dr Ronnie Silva and on the right: MGAUK's president, Mochtar Basman. Photo by Teynmoli Subramaniam. 
MGAUK  which currently consist of 100 members is tightening the loose ends from their previous experience in Malay Golfing Association, MAGA and Malaysian Golfing Society, MGS. It's members mainly consist of either Malaysian living or staying in the United Kingdom and also family and friends of Malaysian living in the United Kingdom. Pushing forward the multi-cultural tradition in Malaysia to the world, particularly in the United Kingdom. MGAUK holds strong beliefs in multi racial togetherness in playing and enjoying golf.

The event organiser of MGAUK, who is also Executive Director-Asia of Hess Group International, Mohamed bin Mohd Salleh, said that MGAUK highly encourage members to bring in friends from any background with decent golfing etiquette to be their member or playing golf with them monthly or whenever the gentlemen are at the green. " In the UK exposure of golfing is much better and cheaper. We want to encourage more youngsters to come up in Golf and we are eagerly looking forward to groom more Professional Malaysian Golfers in the future." said Mohamed.

For MGAUK which had its constitution signed on the 14th of July 2018, their game is not only about winning the competition but it is about the participation of their ever growing members. They aim to bring a platform for socialising and networking amongst golfers and to harmonise the relationship between golfers and golf enthusiasts.

The president of MGAUK and a member. Photo by Teynmoli Subramaniam
"Dawning to a brighter future, MGAUK, with its solidly constructed Constitution, will take us to the next millennium and beyond generations to come." said it's first president, Mochtar Basman. Mochtar is elected in 2018 and will be holding a 2 years tenure of MGAUK's presidency until 2020. He is optimistic that MGAUK will not discriminate any members or friends. He strongly feels bold and radical approaches are needed to keep MGAUK relevant at all level of golf game, which will also require similar approaches from everyone involved.

Photo courtesy of MGAUK. Meeting with the Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK, Datuk Mohamad Sadik Kethergany,  guest of honour for Malaysian International Open.

The Malaysian International Open is the first milestone for MGAUK. Players are coming from various parts of the United Kingdom, this including some female golfers and a few prominent figures from Malaysia whom are flying to London especially for this grand day. So, here, we raise the curtain and wait for a tumultuous tee time and a friendly competition in pure spirit of sportsmanship and golfing terms.

Penamoli will bring you the latest updates of the day this Saturday from Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club, Dartford,Kent.
Location: Birchwood Rd, Dartford DA2 7HJ, UK

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