10 April 2025
The shoreline fairways of The Els Club Desaru Coast’s Ocean Course played host to a memorable moment in junior golf this week, as the Faldo Junior Tour made its long-awaited return to Malaysia. Kicking off the Tour’s Malaysian swing, this milestone event brought together more than 60 of the region’s brightest young talents, all eager to test their skills on Ernie Els’ stunning links-inspired design. Set against the backdrop of the South China Sea, the course offered both beauty and challenge – the perfect setting for a week of high-level competition and a significant step forward for junior golf in the country.
With four age divisions in play, every shot mattered as players battled for a spot at the 16th Faldo Junior Tour Grand Final, taking place in just two weeks at Laguna Lang Co. in Vietnam.
In the Boys 21 & Under category, Aiden Kei Bin Ahmad Shaharuddin put on a show to remember. Saving his best for last, Aiden fired a scorching final-round 65 to close out the tournament at five-under-par (211), sealing a commanding win. His calm, calculated golf kept him well ahead of the field, leaving runner-up Keeshaun Tan – who played solidly all week – seven shots back by the time the final putt dropped.
Over in the Girls 21 & Under division, it was Denise Ng who lit up the leaderboard. With a composed and confident finish, her closing 67 secured a four-under total (212), making her the only player in her division to finish under par. Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil Binti Nik Fairuz battled well to finish second at +10 (226), but Denise’s class shone through from start to finish.
The Boys 16 & Under competition delivered one of the tightest finishes of the week. Maru Choi showed impressive poise under pressure, posting rounds of 73, 70, and 75 for a +2 total (218). With the leaderboard shifting constantly, Maru had to hold off a late charge from both Aiden Tai John Roberts and Nathan Wong, who finished just two strokes behind on +4 (220).
But the standout performance of the tournament came from the Girls 16 & Under division. Xin Yao Wang was simply sensational. Delivering round after round of fearless, fluent golf – 69, 67, and 66 – she stormed to victory at an incredible -14 (202). Even more remarkable was that second place, claimed by the talented Passion Hsu, was 11 shots behind, despite Hsu finishing with a brilliant -3 (213) herself.
The Faldo Series is incredibly proud to partner with The Els Club Desaru Coast for this debut event in Malaysia. With its coastal beauty, clever course design, and world-class facilities, the venue set the perfect tone for what promises to be an exciting chapter for junior golf in the region.
As the winners now look ahead to the Grand Final at the stunning Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam, they carry not just their trophies, but the hopes of a new generation of golfers ready to make their mark on the world stage.
The Els Club Desaru Coast, Ocean Course
