Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants golf to be promoted as a national sport and is ready to financially support efforts to make that happen
Speaking at the prize giving ceremony of the Maybank Malaysia Open 2015, Najib proclaimed that golf should not be regarded as an elite sport and that he’s keen on having more individuals take part in it.
“I would like to see golf being regarded as a people’s sport and not just for the elite. We should make it more accessible to all Malaysians, where everyone can play this game.” Najib said.
“I have contributed RM 2 million to the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) to promote golf in schools. I am also ready to contribute more in the future.”
“We want to see more professional Malaysian golfers competing in higher stages in the future.”
Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri secured this year’s edition of the MMO while Danny Chia emerged as the “best Malaysian player”. Gavin Kyle Green also clinched the “best amateur player” for his impressive showings in the tournament.
Danny Chia though, believes that the golf in Malaysia has transformed over time, though he maintains that it’s still regarded as an elite sport.
“During my time, things were so different and it has changed a lot.” Danny Chia told FourthOfficial.com
“Young players have more interest in the game now. And it’s a fashionable sport now. You can see the young players by the way they dress; it is so colourful and fashionable.”
Photo credits : asiantour.com
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