Kota Kinabalu: Team Sabah successfully defended their title for the 4th time in a row at the SGA Cup competition which concluded on Sunday.
They captured the 18th edition of the event with a hard fought 20-16 victory over Sarawak held at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, Miri, Sarawak.
This year’s contest also marked the return of East Malaysia’s most prestigious amateur golf rivalry between the two states after a seven-year hiatus.
The three-day competition played in Ryder Cup format saw intense battles across foursomes, fourballs and singles matches.
Sarawak dominated the opening day by taking an 8-4 lead, but Sabah regrouped overnight and hit back with an 8.5-3.5 victory on day two to take a narrow 12.5-11.5 lead.
The singles session on the final day proved decisive as Sabah was able to grab 7.5 out of the 12 points available despite immense pressure from the host to seal the title.
Neil Bainon was the toast of the team as he managed to secure 4.5 points throughout the weekend, including crucial wins in both the foursomes and singles sessions.
Non-playing captain Ng Loong Fah expressed his satisfaction after the final putt dropped.
“We’re really pleased to win the trophy away from home. It’s always tough playing here, and the boys showed great character,” he said.
He added that the event’s revival has been widely praised by both players and officials alike, highlighting the enduring spirit of amateur golf in the region.
This year’s victory also saw Sabah extend their overall series lead to 11-7 and the next edition of the SGA Cup will be hosted by Sabah.
Sabah was led by Sabah Golf Association president Nash Hon with his deputy Datu Khalilulrahman Datu Khalil as team manager, and Ng as captain and vice-captain was Sheo Wei Meng.
The players were Akbar Mohd Said, Neil Bainon, Safarruddin Abidin, Afdlin Mikhail Mohd Sofian, Alexander Lau, Mitchell Steel, Mohamad Rafiq Mohd Ali, Muhamad Danish Danial Jumat, Dylan Zayden, Jordan Mobijohn, Aaron Pong, Nigel Majalang, Suzairi Iqmah and Duin Etin.
