| Fadhil Yunus |
AHMAD Yani bin Haji Mohd Noor was crowned overall champion of the 2nd WBC Charity Golf Tournament 2017, organised by the Women’s Business Council (WBC)-Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne, after carding a total of 71 at the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club.
The golfer outlasted a tough field which featured reigning Baiduri Masters champion Qawim Aslimon to collect the coveted Winner Challenge Trophy.
Ahmad Yani became only the second golfer to win the prestigious title following Pengiran Ahmad Zaki bin Pengiran Haji Jambol’s success in 2014.
“I’m happy with the win. There are a lot of challenges but I find that the main challenge comes from the junior players who are very tough to beat,” said Ahmad Yani in an interview with the Bulletin.
“We are wary of the threat that the junior players bring and they bring us a great challenge.”
The newly-crowned winner, who has already tasted success in another local tournament this year at the same venue, also recalled the key moments which contributed to his success.
“During the earlier rounds, in the front nine, there was a tie, one-over and two-over.
Once we hit the back nine, I was fortunate to gain form and was making sure of maintaining consistency,” said Ahmad Yani.
Played using a system 36 stroke play format, the golfer won the competition without the need of a playoff having won a straight game. Ahmad Yani shared that his favourite hole was number 12 partially due to his impressive score while others slipped in the title race.
“Two of my competitors are two on and I have three on. But my long putt birdie sank while the other two missed their birdies,” he said.
Ahmad Yani could not conceal his excitement as he ramped up his efforts of taking the title.
When asked what his future plans are, the golfer who is a familiar name in the local golfing scene, added that he will be active in joining more local tournaments.
“The WBC competition is full of prestige which the players looked forward to,” he said.
“I played on Friday and that night I had a ‘No Record’. I tried again on Saturday in the afternoon and scored a 72 and I played again in the last day and totalled a 71,” he said.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof presented the prizes.
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