Around 100,000 enthusiastic amateur golfers took part in the BMW Golf Cup International around the world and dreamed of qualifying for the 28th World Final. The dream of 109 of those golfers came true in George, South Africa last week.
The Thai team was in a class of its own at the Fancourt Resort, located in the stunning region at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, and ruled the event as they defended the title won last year in Dubai (UAE) with 328 points (Stableford, net), ahead of team Malaysia (305) and team China (290).
Among the Ladies, Min Hui Huang (Taiwan, 114 points) prevailed over second-placed Thanith Iam-Asa (Thailand, 107) by a clear margin. Third place was tied by South Korea’s Eunkyung An and Zeynep Alp of Turkey (both 101). In the Men I category, a thrilling final round saw Thailand’s Prakran Sappadungchon (109 points) catch Shah Rizan Ahmad (107) of Malaysia who had led the first two days. In third place was China’s Guanzhong Chen (100).
Kiriakos Miltos enjoyed success in almost everything during the week. The Australian started the World Final with a hole-in-one in the practice round and ended it as the winner of the Men II category. With 120 points, he left Austria’s Johannes Jaindl (114) and Sompong Kantha (Thailand, 112) in the shade.
Golfing legend Gary Player handed over the trophy and delighted the participants from 37 nations with a golf clinic, where the 82-year-old delighted the attendees with his legendary charm, astonishing fitness and infectious warmth.
The golf clinic was part of the extensive supporting programme with which BMW spoiled the starters and around 150 additional invited guests over the course of the week. The highlights in the free time ranged from BMW xDrive tours, through encounters with lions, elephants and other wild animals, to impressive experiences of South African culture and scenery.
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