The Brunei golfing team in a group photo. – JAMES KON
BRUNEI’S golfing team heading to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2017 in Kuala Lumpur this month have vowed to do their best and give a good fight against the best golfers in the region.
Representing Brunei Darussalam for the golf events (team and individual) are Mohammed Qawim Fakhri bin Haji Aslimon, Mohammed Qazzri Fakhri bin Haji Aslimon, Awangku Muhd Syakir bin Pengiran Haji Ali and Lai Suan Loong will be competing in the team and individual events.
Mohammed Qawim Fakhri, who had participated in the previous SEA Games in Singapore, hopes to improve his game and result.
“We have been training since April and have been practising our hitting technique as well as game everyday after Hari Raya at the driving range of Pantai Mentiri Golf Club,” the 24-year-old said.
With the intense training and experience gained in the previous SEA Games, Mohammed Qawim Fakhri commented, “I have improved my confidence, fitness as well as mentality. Insya Allah, I hope we can do our best in the competition.”
His brother Mohammed Qazzri Fakhri felt that besides training in the country, there is a need for more exposure to play additional tournaments outside Brunei.
Meanwhile, despite being a bit nervous to play his first major tournament, Awangku Muhd Syakir said he is excited and confident for the SEA Games.
He hopes he can do well to compete with other good golfers in the region.
Well known local golfer, Seruji Haji Setia, who is the team manager expressed his desire to win with the team.
“Our aim as every other team is to win the tournament that we compete in. The athletes have been in intensive training for two months in the driving course and course playing 18 holes daily. I hope they will perform well and is in good health before the match.
“I know our golfers can give a good fight and do their best with their improved skills from the training.”
Fabian Del Rosario, Coach of Brunei golfing team for the SEA Games meanwhile lamented the team would need to familiarise with the venue of the tournament, which is at The Mines Resort City Golf Club in Selangor, to come up with the strategies for their game.
Currently, the team have yet to practise at the official venue. They hope they will be able to do so after arriving in Kuala Lumpur for the opening ceremony.