Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: One of the region’s leading sports talent development programmes opened its doors to the public, providing an insight into the workings of a course that is changing the face of elite women’s golf in Malaysia.

Over six years, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Development Programme has been one of the mainstays of the Sime Darby Foundation’s investment in sport in Malaysia, during which time it has seen some 45 talented youngsters benefit from the programme’s holistic approach that covers technique, mental preparation, physical fitness and personal development.

The annual programme starts in July and culminates with an opportunity for each year’s in-take of 16 participants to qualify for one of Asia’s leading professional women’s golf tournaments, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the Sime Darby Foundation, said the investment is an essential element of the Group’s commitment.

“The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Development Programme is a key component of the Sime Darby Foundation’s investment for sports in this country and it is producing encouraging results.

“Having started with just one active player on a professional golf Tour, Malaysia now has seven professional golfers playing on Tours around the world; eight amateur participants have been absorbed into the National Elite team; 18 programme graduates have secured local and international college golf scholarships; and Kelly Tan and Michelle Koh are steadily making their way up the Olympics rankings ahead of next year’s Olympics.

“In 2010, the programme was struggling to fill its 12 places with eligible players. In 2015, due to the programme’s growing reputation as a ‘must attend camp’ for aspiring golfers, it has attracted 70 potentials who were shortlisted to 30 who made the necessary criteria.

“After a further shortlist, 16 players were selected as the best talents across the country. The women’s game in Malaysia is in a stronger position now as a direct result of this programme, and I hope very much that this year’s participants will take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the programme to improve their game and move up the rankings in the process.”

via Malaysia Development Programme Bearing Fruit – Asian Golf Industry Federation.