BDA senior manager Abdul Rahim Abdullah (fifth left), on behalf of BDA general manager, handing over the Challenge Trophy to Paul witnessed by other officials.

BINTULU: A total of RM48,450 in cash prizes await winners of the 23rd Bintulu Amateur Open Golf Championship for the BDA Challenge Trophy to be held at Bintulu Golf Club from July 15-17.

Ninety-seven men and women golfers from various clubs in Sarawak and Sabah will vie for honours in the Open and VIP/ Invited Guest categories.

Bintulu Golf Club are fielding 70 players while other participating clubs include Sarawak Golf Club, Miri Golf Club, Sibu Golf Club, Samarahan Country Club, Sandakan Golf and Country Club and Sabah Golf Association.

“The qualified handicap for Open category is handicap 18 for men (USGA handicap index 15.8 and below) and handicap 24 and below for ladies (USGA handicap index 22.5 and below),” club captain Paul Shanon Kenbell Barin told a press conference held at Wisma Bintulu yesterday.

The Hole-in-one winner will receive a brand new Toyota Camry sponsored by Transnational Insurance.

Last year’s winner Lee Ka Tung from Sibu Golf Club will be out to defend his title.

Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) continues the tradition of sponsoring the event which is sanctioned by Sarawak Golf Association.

Tournament director is Lau Hui Kui while chief referee is Robert Inging Will who is assisted by Dillah Ahmad.

The closing and prize giving ceremony at 2pm on Sunday will be officiated by club governing board chairman and BDA general manager Rodziah Morshidi.