| Fadhil Yunus |
EXPERIENCED local golfer Johari Haji Ahmad has finally etched his name in the records books after capturing the overall gross title in the 16th Pusat Ehsan Charity Golf Tournament 2018 at the Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club (RBAGC) yesterday.
Johari, who came close in the 2016 edition after entering the playoffs with then-winner Qawim Aslimon who he succeeded at the popular Berakas course, carded a score of 73 to fend off challenge from household names with the likes of Baiduri Masters multiple winners Seruji Haji Setia and Khairul Kamis.
Johari, who finally erased the label as a ‘nearly man’ here two years ago, expressed his satisfaction during the three-day tournament for his performance and the playing conditions.
“I am quite satisfied in this year’s competition after losing the playoffs to Qawim in 2016,” said Johari in an interview with the Bulletin.
The local golfer also lost the playoffs at the Baiduri Masters to eventual winner Qawim last year, who recently featured at the Richard Mille Brunei Championships last month.
“The playing conditions and the course are both good. At the RBA Golf Club, you have to be patient. It is a gentleman’s game, so you have to be patient and play safe,” he stressed.
Johari, who has pitted his wits against stars in the local scene on numerous occasions, also expressed his contentment with his score especially after lifting his first title of the year.
The newly-crowned Pusat Ehsan champion will no doubt be vying for another golfing triumph to stake his claim as the current 2018 decorated title-winner at this weekend’s 29th Pantai Mentiri Golf Open, another major event in Brunei’s golfing calendar.
And the new recipient of the coveted Patron Challenge Trophy will be installed as one of the contenders after his exploits which saw him win by two shots with Seruji in second place with a 73 to show for and Khairul Kamis further back with a 75.
The golfer has also confirmed his participation at the Pantai Mentiri meet, another tournament that has Qawim’s name on the trophy following his triumph last year.
When asked if he would be competing this week, Johari said, “Insya Allah, I will be playing at the Pantai Mentiri Golf Championship. I will definitely take part in the tournament.”
Meanwhile, the tournament has raked in a total of $43,700 which was received from sponsors while GHK Motors has also contributed $5,000 as corporate sponsors.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud presented the prizes.
The post Johari wins Pusat Ehsan Charity Golf Tournament appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.