Sarawak tees off first int’l senior golf championship this weekend, drawing ‘golden legends’ from six countries

By Christine T

KUCHING, Oct 22: Sarawak will host its first international senior amateur golf championship this weekend, bringing together 156 “golden legend” golfers aged 55 and above from six countries in a bid to boost sports tourism and generate economic spin-offs for the State.

The Sarawak International Senior Amateur Golf Championship (SISAGC) 2026 will be held at Kelab Golf Sarawak (KGS) from Oct 24 to 25, featuring a 36-hole stroke-play competition with RM22,000 in total cash prizes.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the inaugural championship would provide a competitive platform for senior golfers while positioning Sarawak as a destination for international sporting events.

“This is the first time this championship is being held, and I am very happy to see this tournament taking place,” he said at a press conference for the SISAGC held here today.

The participating golfers are expected to come from Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia.

Abdul Karim said the championship also provided an opportunity for senior citizens to remain active through sports and recreation.

“Just because someone has reached senior age does not mean there should no longer be opportunities for them to enjoy themselves, take part in sports and stay active,” he said.

He said the tournament was expected to benefit the hospitality industry, as participants could bring their families and extend their stays in Kuching.

“The spin-off towards the hospitality industry is tremendous,” he said.

Abdul Karim added that visitors could also enjoy other events and attractions during their stay, including the International Dragon Boat Festival, Gendang Festival and craft sales activities along the Kuching Waterfront.

“There will be bringing back a lot of good memories, not just about being on the golf course, meeting new friends among their contemporaries, but also being able to be entertained,” he added.

He also expressed appreciation to the event organiser, Borneo SuperAct Events, and its founder owner Datuk Eddie Abdullah, as well as KGS, for rallying ‘golden legends’ of the sport and bringing the inaugural championship to Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Eddie Abdullah said the event was conceived as a long-term sports tourism initiative targeting senior golfers who travel regularly for international competitions and may extend their stays to explore host destinations.

He hoped to establish SISAGC as an annual fixture on the regional golfing calendar, attracting repeat visitors and strengthening Sarawak’s appeal among high-net-worth travellers.

Abdullah also thanked the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts for its support through the Tourism Event Grant, which he said helped turn the initiative into reality.

The event is also intended to promote active ageing and international camaraderie, while encouraging participants to return home with positive impressions of Sarawak’s hospitality, culture and natural attractions. —DayakDaily

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