Kelab Golf Miri’s Junior Development Programme (JDP) was started in January 2002. It was initiated by the then Club Captain Sebastian Ting with a total of 30. Currently, we have 48 members, boys and girls, ranging in age from 5 years to 17 years.
In Sarawak, Miri is on track in producing junior golfers through its integrated Junior Development Programme (JDP). Since the programme started we have had successes when JDP members have represented the club at the state, national and international levels. Notables among them are: Arvin Chong, Nicholas Chong,Michele Ting, Dianne Luke, Joanne Langan, Jonathan Langan, Daniel Luke, S. Kumaraesan, Malcolm Adam Tay, Jordan Lim, Jordan Tay, Mohd. AzimJunaidi, Jaclyn Chen, Kimberly Nelson, Lim Beng Keat and Malcolm Ting.
Our current KGM Captain, Dr Philip Raja, is also a Vice-President of Sarawak Golf Association. In this capacity he has been entrusted with junior programmes for Sarawak. Our current JDP chairman, En. Jerry Ling Jennie, is a keen golfer and ardent supporter of the JDP programme. The Malaysian Ladies Golf Association has also joined the KGM JDP and through their patronage they are encouraging the game of golf among the local school girls using KGM facilities.
The JDP is also able to get the assistance of MajlisSukan Negara, Sarawak (MSNS) and the Institiut Sukan Negara (ISN) to advise the junior golfers on matters pertaining to physical and mental training. They also advises the young golfers the right food to take to gain the best nutritional values which can optimise their performance.
Under the care of the current resident golf professional, Encik N. Shanmugam, the JDP encompasses various training programmes that cover basic golfing, advance golfing, physical and mental training. For the practical aspects, they put their training to the test through the Monthly Medals competitions. A major competition from Kelab Golf Miri, specifically for the Junior, is theKGM Junior Open Championship to vie for the Dato’ Sebastian Ting Challenge Trophy.
No entrance fee is charged for this tournament as the purpose is to encourage and attract more junior participants. Despite no entrance fees, the tournament offers attractive goodies, prizes and lucky draws. This is made possible through sponsorships by corporate bodies and individuals.
The organisers also try to inculcate civic consciousness in the juniors by getting them to donate to a worthy cause determined by the organisers.
This year the tournament will be held on 29 – 30 June 2013. Children and parents are most welcome to see the junior golfers in action. A total of 85 participants from all over Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei will be vying for the challenge trophy.
A big ‘thank you’ to KGM members, parents, corporate and individual sponsors for making this tournament a success. Parents’ support to junior golfers are very important for their golf development.
For those parents whose children are keen on golf, please contact Kelab Golf Miri front desk at 085-438190 or come personally and meet the golf professional, Encik N. Shanmugam. Who knows, we may have a new Tiger Wood waiting to be discovered!