KOTA KINABALU, 14 JULY 2024 – The prestigious Toyota Tour’s Hilux Cup returns to the Sabah Golf & Country Club (SGCC) for the second consecutive year, promising an exhilarating tournament as Malaysia’s top professionals vie for the coveted title.
Local favourite Nicholas Fung is set to defend his title on his home turf starting this Tuesday. Fung, who has deep ties to SGCC, will face fierce competition from notable challengers, including fellow SGCC product Ben Leong, fresh off his victory at the Fortuner Cup in Sibu last month. Leong is eager to continue his winning streak but he in turn will find stiff competition from other contenders.
Adding to the excitement, Galven Green, the current Order of Merit leader, will be paired with Fung for the first two days. Green’s stellar performances this season mark him as a formidable opponent following wins at the season-opening Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy and the Corolla Cross Cup at Glenmarie GCC when he defeated Fung in a play-off.
The competition will also feature Vios Cup winner Paul San, the talented Shahriffuddin Ariffin who’s become a regular on the Asian Tour and rookie Marcus Lim who turned pro two weeks before the Fortuner Cup. Lim played several events as an amateur on the Toyota Tour last year and actually won the Supra Cup at the Mines, defeating Ervin Chang in a two-man play-off.
The course conditions at SGCC have been impacted by continuous rain in recent days, resulting in a softer playing surface. However, the weather forecast predicts dry conditions until Thursday evening, providing an opportunity for players to showcase their skills under favourable circumstances.
Aretha Pan, the 2023 Toyota Tour Ladies’ Order of Merit winner, had a memorable outing here last year when she had to compete against the men, albeit from the forward (white) tees. She finished an incredible second, much to the delight of the Sabah GCC fans, seeing that Pan is also a local celebrity.
“My experience from last year will definitely be an advantage,” said Pan. “I’ve played SGCC since young and know how it behaves in different conditions. It’s always helpful to have that familiarity. But golf is golf, every day is a new day I will try to play my best.
“The soft and wet conditions can be challenging. I’ve played in similar conditions before, so I need to adjust my strategy and club selection a bit and stay focused,” she added.
Renowned as one of the toughest courses in Malaysia, the unpredictable Sabah GCC layout is set to deliver a rigorous challenge to all competitors and will be the ultimate test. Spectators can expect a thrilling showcase of golfing prowess and competitive spirit as the Hilux Cup unfolds at SGCC. The tournament promises to be a highlight of the golfing calendar, bringing together some of the best talents in the sport.
Meanwhile, a record-breaking 93 kids have registered for the Toyota Tour Junior Clinic at the Sabah GCC practice facility here tomorrow afternoon. The Tour professionals helping out are Casper Loh, Marcus Lim, Ben Leong, Aretha Pan and Brandon Lai. Also providing support are Sabah GCC coaches Vivienne, Lam and Frazer.