At the heart of every prestigious golf club is the tradition of hosting an Annual Club Championship in its golfing calendar. The Annual Club Championship was held over the period of January and February 2024. A wide array of talent across multiple categories; the Men’s Club Championship (Handicap 11.2 & below), Men’s Senior Club Championship (Age 55 & above), Men’s Super Senior Club Championship (Age 70 & above), Ladies Club Championship (Handicap 16.8 & below), Ladies Bronze Championship (Handicap 17.7 & above), and Junior Club Championship (Boys & Girls – Age 18 & below) emerged. Competitors battled it out on the Old Course, striving to etch their names in the annals of RSGC’s history as Club Champions.
The Evolution of the Men’s Club Championship
The Men’s Club Championship, a highlight of RSGC’s rich history documented in ‘Twelve Under Fours’, has undergone significant evolution since its inception. It was originally an 18-hole stroke-play competition which later changed to a 2-day affair of 36 holes. It was not until 1928 that the format of having a qualifying round of 18 holes stroke-play, followed by match-play among the leading 8 qualifiers, was adopted. The post-war period saw an expansion to accommodate a growing number of participants, the qualifying round was extended to 36 holes to determine the qualifiers for the knock-out stage. In the late 1980’s the number of qualifiers increased from 8 to the present day’s 16. A change that has contributed to the championship’s current dynamism and competitiveness.
The 2024 Championship: A Showcase of Emerging Talent
This year’s championship was a showcase of the rising talents and the club’s vibrant golfing culture, marked by spirited contests and the emergence of new champions. Datuk Ichiro Suzuki, an RSGC luminary with ten titles, passed the torch in a symbolic semi-final defeat to Aiden Kei. This transition underscored a generational shift, with Aiden Kei and Mohd Faiq Abu Sahid, both young and formidable players, advancing to the finals.
This year’s championship saw a thrilling showdown, with Defending Champion Aiden Kei and his strong contender Mohd Faiq Abu Sahid reaching the finals, signifying a shift towards a new generation of champions at RSGC. Aiden Kei came strong to the final by beating the legendary Datuk Ichiro Suzuki in the Semi-finals (match-play results 5 up). Mohd Faiq also came strong to the final by beating Leroy Chiam (3 times title holder) in the Semi-finals (match-play results 7 up). This showed the strong contenders of both finalists. Datuk Ichiro Suzuki was quoted in The Circular published in the March 2023 edition, “He (Mohd Faiq) is in my opinion, one of the best golfers here at RSGC”.
The anticipation reached a crescendo on 17 and 18 February, as Aiden and Faiq contended for the final of the championship. Their journey to the finals—through victories over seasoned champions—heralded a new era for RSGC, characterized by young talent.
Celebrating Victory and Excellence
Mohd Faiq Abu Sahid emerged victorious, displaying exceptional skills and mental fortitude as both contenders, Faiq and Aiden Kei, reached Hole No. 13. Faiq secured his victory by 6 up. This win, his second title, underscores his hard work and determination, promising a bright future and setting a high standard for upcoming talents.
Honouring the 2024 Club Champions
The RSGC proudly acknowledges the achievements of its 2024 champions, who have exemplified not only superior golfing prowess but also the highest standards of sportsmanship and excellence:
- Men’s Club Champion: Mohd Faiq Abu Sahid
- Men’s Senior Club Champion: Mitchell Graham Steel
- Men’s Super Senior Club Champion (70-79 Years & Below): Dato’ Bobby Ong
- Men’s Super Senior Club Champion (80 Years & Above): Hiroshi Aoki
- Ladies Club Champion: Sim Jane
- Ladies Bronze Champion: May Ho
- Junior Club Champion (Boy): Eidan Jamzidi
- Junior Club Champion (Girl): Sim Jane
As we reflect on this year’s championship, we celebrate the continuous legacy of excellence at RSGC. Here, legends are forged, and the future of golf shines brightly, promising more stories of triumph and tradition in the years to come.
