| Fadhil Yunus |
THE 24th Baiduri Masters charity golf tournament concluded with a prize presentation dinner at the Hua Ho Manggis Ballroom, Hua Ho Manggis attended by Chairman of Baiduri Bank Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah.
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah presented the Challenge Trophy to Mohd Aritz Maldini bin Haji Abdul Majid, who made history after winning the 24th edition of the Baiduri Masters at the tender age of 18.
Mohd Aritz Maldini confirmed his place among the golfing elite in the local circuit after carding a two-under-par 70 at the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club.
The teenage sensation is seen as one of the country’s rising stars and his victory marked a shift in power with the seasoned players passing the torch to the younger generation.
The golfer has been on the whereabouts of success when he led the opening weekend with a consistent 69.
There was a little bit of fright when he dropped out of top spot but within close reach of the overnight leader during the penultimate day of the championship.
The teenager, who is believed to be the youngest champion in the history of the competition, recovered and dropped a birdie in the 17th hole to lead the championship by one stroke.
Only needing a par, he ended the 18th hole with a stylish birdie to cement a place in history in one of Brunei’s most prestigious golfing competitions, which has produced some top names ever to grace the local golfing scene.
The youngster showed signs of separation from the competition after sinking his first birdie in the back nine in the 12th hole, before a final push eventually leading him to a maiden title.
“I am very proud to win the Baiduri Masters,” Mohd Aritz Maldini told the Bulletin.
Mohd Aritz Maldini also donned the coveted Green Jacket which is a symbolic honour for the winner of the tournament, which was presented by last year’s champion Johari bin Haji Ahmad, who is coincidentally his mentor.
Suhaimi bin Haji Ibrahim finished as first runner-up with a score of 72 OCB (on count back) while Pengiran Adam bin Pengiran Atan settled for third spot.
Haji Ramlee bin Haji Jaafar and former Baiduri Masters winner Seruji bin Haji Setia claimed the fourth and fifth spots, with 73 and 74 respectively.
Meanwhile in a welcoming address, President of the Baiduri Masters Organising Committee Andrew Young said, “This is our 24th year of hosting the Baiduri Masters. The aim has always been centred towards supporting our community and making a difference.”
“We have strived to raise funds for local organisations, particularly those that cater towards the differently abled individuals with the hope to improve or alleviate their burden,” he further added.
He further elaborated that the Baiduri Masters has added another organisation who will be receiving donations based on the funds during the event. “This year, we have included Demensia Brunei as another recipient to help them achieve their mission towards a dementia-friendly community.”
From the proceeds raised, a total of BND80,000 was donated to seven organisations during the prize presentation ceremony.
Other winners included Rudy Hairywan Yussof in Division ‘A’, Menuddin bin Haji Daud in Division ‘B’, Jumari Junaidi in Division ‘C’, Shahrum Kadir in the senior division, Almas Syadzwanie in the ladies leader board, Patricia Bouvet in the ladies division leader board, Qadeer Aslimon in the junior boys division leader board and Nuradibah binti Haji Yahya in the junior girls division leader board.