Singapore, June 6: The battle for regional golfing supremacy is set to ignite again when the South East Asian Amateur Team Golf Championship makes its return to Singapore at the award-winning Seletar Country Club from July 8-12.
Supported by the R&A, a total of 10 countries have confirmed their participation for the tournament. They include Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, and Hong Kong, with over 100 elite amateurs expected to tee up at the award-winning Seletar Country Club from July 8-12.
The Putra Cup, initiated in 1961 by Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, was designed to foster closer ties among South East Asian nations and elevate the regional standard of golf.
Complementing this legacy, Singapore introduced the Lion City Cup in 2004 to recognise the region’s best boys golfers under 16 while Thailand started the Santi Cup in 2009 to feature the top women amateurs, followed by Indonesia with the Kartini Cup in 2013 to highlight junior girls under 16.
Host nation Singapore, who last hosted the tournament in 2016, will be banking on the likes of 2024 Kedah Amateur Open champion Brayden Lee, Chen Xingtong and Ryan Ang, Aloysa Atienza- who both won the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open last month to reclaim their title that they last won in 2019.
Singapore’s title hopes will be put to the test by defending champion Indonesia, who has already sent its statement of intent by selecting a strong squad led by Randy Arbenata Mohamad Bintang and Rayhan Abdul Latief. The duo clinched the top two spots in the individual standings while also ending Indonesia’s 29-year title drought at the Putra Cup in Malaysia last year.
Thailand, a traditional powerhouse in the region, will be looking to reclaim their dominance as they have included Jiradech Chaowarat- a gold medal winner in the team event at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games into their team.
While Thailand might have been struggling in the Putra Cup in recent years, the kingdom has managed to maintain its grip on the other trophies- capturing the Santi Cup, Lion City Cup, and Kartini Cup in Malaysia last year.
The Philippines and Malaysia, meanwhile, will seek to return to the winner’s circle, having won the title in 2013 and 2005 respectively. All eyes are also on Vietnam, who finished as runners-up for the first time in the tournament’s history last year. That significant milestone marked a turning point in Vietnam’s golf history, coming on the heels of their first-ever gold medal in golf at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.
Tan Chong Huat, President of the Singapore Golf Association and ASEAN Golf Federation said: “This year’s South East Asian Amateur Team Golf Championship promises to enhance the overall spectatorship experience for everyone and we are looking forward to welcoming all players, officials and fans to Singapore in July.
“Apart from the action inside the ropes, it’ll be a digitally immersive experience for all with the event taking on a progressive stance that is driven by digital technology, sustainability, and security.
“The South East Asian Amateur Team Golf Championship will also be open to the public as one of our objectives is also to provide golf fans and the wider community with the opportunity to witness top-tier amateur golf up close, aiming to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts, particularly among the youth.”
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About Singapore Golf Association
The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) is the National Sport Association governing the game of golf in Singapore. Registered on 5 October 1961, SGA’s objective is to encourage and promote the game of golf in Singapore. SGA currently has 11 Full Members, 7 Associate Members and 6 Affiliate Members. SGA is also a member of the International Golf Federation, Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, ASEAN Golf Federation, Asia Golf Leaders Forum and the Singapore National Olympic Council.
About Seletar Country Club
Established circa 1930, Seletar Country Club stands as a beacon of heritage and modernity, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the Lower Seletar Reservoir and the Johor Straits, our sprawling acres of lush greenery offer a sanctuary away from the bustle of city life.
Recognized as the ‘Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia Pacific’ and ‘Best Golf Course in Singapore’, Seletar Country Club stands as a testament to excellence and a nurturing ground for budding talent. With a proud legacy of hosting prestigious golf championships, we continue to provide a competitive platform for aspiring golfers to thrive.
But our offerings extend beyond the fairways. Our commitment to preserving the environment is evident in our design, which complements the diverse eco-habitat of flora and fauna surrounding us. Club members can immerse themselves in our beautiful clubhouse, complete with a well-equipped Sports Complex which includes facilities like tennis courts, a bowling centre, a resort pool, and gym.
Indulge your palate at Seletar Terrace, Seletar Tavern, or Eagle’s View, where sumptuous cuisine is served against a backdrop of serene vistas. Our facilities and service will exceed expectations, whether wedding, corporate event, or simply seeking a retreat from the ordinary.
At Seletar Country Club, the legendary Seletarian spirit permeates every interaction, welcoming members and guests alike with warmth and fellowship. Visit us for an unforgettable experience where excellence meets hospitality.