The SportExcel International Junior Golf Championship 2024, held at the picturesque Tanjong Puteri Golf and Resort in the southern Malaysian state of Johor, concluded with exciting finishes across its divisions.
Returning after a four-year hiatus, this premier junior golf event drew 143 players from eight countries, including 77 Malaysian competitors, for three rounds of intense competition from 25 to 27 October 2024.
In the Boys A category, Thailand’s Ajalawich Anantasethakul displayed remarkable consistency with rounds of 72, 72, and 73 for a total score of 217. Though he claimed the overall blue title, South Korea’s Ahn Seunghyun (Michael) emerged as the Boys A champion with a total score of 222, taking top honours per tournament rules, which limit players to one major prize.
Malaysia’s Wang Xin Yao, a 16-year-old rising star who has a handicap of 1.4, clinched the overall white title in the Girls A category with a score of 220, edging out South Korea’s Seo Ahreumnuri, who became the Girls A champion with a 226.
Reflecting on her victory, Wang said, “This tournament was a wonderful experience, with strong competitors alongside me. The course was in excellent condition, and my game improved as the rounds progressed. All three rounds were pretty solid with my long and short games. Though putting was slightly off in the first round, I managed to get it back in the last two days. It is amazing to win in such a tournament with all my family and friends beside me.”
Thailand dominated the Team Championship category, winning with a combined score of 674, while the Malaysian Golf Association’s NJDP team finished close behind with 678.
The tournament awarded prizes to the top five in each category, along with a putting competition on the final day. Bridgestone golf items were awarded to category winners, adding excitement for both players and spectators.
Notably, champions and runners-up from the Boys and Girls A and B groups earned direct entry to the Mazda U.S. College Prep Championship at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand from 8 to 10 November 2024. Additionally, twelve top performers from this Championship will be awarded flights to San Diego to compete in the prestigious Future Champions Golf (FCG) National Junior Golf Championship this December.
SportExcel’s organising chairman and executive director, C. Sivanandan, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, saying that the RM53,000 matching grant from the ministry was instrumental in bringing this championship to life. “It was such a pleasant experience with the players and officials showing through sportsmanship and camaraderie on and off the course,” he added.
The championship’s success cements its role as a vital platform for junior golfers, creating pathways for international recognition and further competition. 
