Thirty-four RSGC Members travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, headed by the Golf Covenor cum Team Captain, Ezani Abu Bakar to compete in the prestigious Erawan and Seladang Cups at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) on 18 and 19 May 2024.
RBSC Interport Matches have been a beloved tradition among RSGC members since their inception in 1961, initiated by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The inaugural match was held at RBSC, a unique golf course nestled within a racecourse, competing for the Erawan Cup donated by the Thai’s, where players compete ‘off the stick’.
RSGC’s Victor Yong poses with his iconic selfie stick, joined by RSGC’s Hui Chii Ren, RBSC Captain Pulrit Praneeprachachon, and RBSC 2nd Vice Captain Athikom Xanthavanij before competing for the Erawan Cup
In 1967, former RSGC Captain Alan Jones introduced the Seladang Cup, to allow players with lesser golfing prowess to participate off their handicap. Enthusiastic RSGC Members like Edmund Yong, Tommy Lee, and Alex Lee played pivotal roles in elevating this event to a biannual tradition, supported by successive club captains.
The event kicked off on 18 May with registration at the Sports Pavilion at 10.50 am, followed by a shotgun start at 1 pm. Despite the sweltering heat, everyone was excited to compete! During the event, players exchanged gifts as a symbol of camaraderie. RSGC Members presented RBSC members with RSGC newly designed label pins and RSGC caps, while RBSC members reciprocated with golf balls encased in miniature golf bags. The day concluded with a lavish welcome dinner at RBSC’s Royal Pavilion, featuring an exquisite menu that included biryani, sashimi and seafood platters. A live band provided entertainment, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
RSGC’s Chew Seng Poh and Chew Cheong Kin with RBSC’s Prayote Sudhainark and Suchart Chalermkarnchana
Ainuddin looks very competitive for this match!
Tunku Muin
Breakfast was served at 6.30 am on 19 May at the Sports Pavilion, as all players prepared for an 8 am shotgun start despite the morning rain. The weather did little to dampen the competitive spirit, and the event culminated in a prize presentation lunch at the Royal Pavilion. The menu featured delectable chicken sticky rice, tempura, somtam, fresh spring rolls with chicken sausage, and a various range of fruit platters.
Beaming faces after a great day of matches
Speeches by RBSC Captain Pulrit Praneeprachachon and RSGC Team Captain Ezani Abu Bakar, along with a celebratory toast, highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship shared between the two clubs.
Ready for the Seladang Cup Match – RBSC’s Nilkesh Choksi and Mya Thwin vs. RSGC’s Tan Eke Luck and Stephen Karner
RBSC emerged victorious in both competitions, securing the Erawan Cup with a score of 9 points to RSGC’s 7 points, and the Seladang Cup with 32 points to RSGC’s 20 points. Despite the results, the spirit of friendly competition and the bonds forged between the members of RSGC and RBSC were the true highlights of this memorable event.
Nice shot!
As the RSGC Members returned home, they carried with them not just memories of the matches played and the scores tallied, but also the warmth of the hospitality received and the joy of participating in a cherished golfing tradition. Here’s to the next interport event and the continued friendship between RSGC and RBSC!
Flight photo of RSGC’s Terence Derek Lai and Foo Howe Yee with RBSC’s Prof. Mana Vongpivat and Chaiwat Kanokvatanawan
RSGC Team Captain Ezani Abu Bakar passes the Seladang Cup Trophy to RBSC Captain Pulrit Praneeprachachon as RBSC wins the Seladang Cup match
