Singapore: The SICC Junior Invitational Golf Championship (JIGC), historically a stepping-stone to the big time for the region's brightest prospects, will mark its 30th anniversary next month.
To be held over the Bukit Course at the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) from December 4-7, Singapore’s leading juniors will be joined by players from Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and Australia. For the second year in succession, EFG is the presenting sponsor.
Among notable players to have graced the event are Chinese Taipei's former women's world number one Tseng Ya-ni, her male compatriot CT Pan, Miguel Tabuena and Dottie Ardina from the Philippines, Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and current Singapore professionals James Leow and Koh Sock Hwee.
“The strength in depth of Asian golf – even at a junior level – has always made the JIGC the place to see the stars of tomorrow shining brightly,” said Tan Chong Huat, President of the Singapore Golf Association (SGA).
How Seen Yong, Captain at SICC, added: “This year’s field is shaping up to be highly competitive, befitting the 30th anniversary and capping a year where the club proudly celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.
“On behalf of SICC, we thank all of our partner clubs and associations throughout the region, and title sponsor EFG, for their outstanding support.”
The intention of the championship is to replicate the look and feel of a professional tournament, challenging young golfers to showcase their skills, while helping prepare them for the next phase of their golf careers.
“I fondly remember playing in this championship against some of the most talented golfers, which helped sharpen my game. More importantly, I cherish the moments and friendship we shared on and off the course,” said five-time Major champion Tseng.
Tabuena, winner of multiple titles on the Asian Tour, said: “30 years of the JIGC is an incredible milestone for a junior tournament in the region, and a true testament to the passion of the organisers, sponsors and golf community around Asia.
“Events like the JIGC are a crucial test of mettle for young golfers, but they are also an important opportunity for us to realise what we have in common with players from other countries and regions, and a chance to learn from each other.”
Leow added: “The EFG/SICC Junior Invitational is an event that I always looked forward to competing in to close out the year. This year is especially meaningful for me, as it is the second time EFG is supporting the tournament, and the first year I am representing EFG as an ambassador of the EFG-SGA Elite Squad.
“When I was a junior player, winning JIGC was always a goal, and I’m glad to have been able to take it off my checklist in 2015.”
Last year’s tournament drew junior golfers from 10 countries and territories with Daryl Low of Singapore and EFG Young Athletes Foundation scholar Arianna Lau from Hong Kong emerging victorious as the Overall Best Gross Boy and Girl Champions respectively.
This year’s competition will feature 65 players, including another Young Athletes Foundation scholar, Isaac Lee from EFG-Hong Kong entering as the top overall boy with a handicap of +4.2.
In keeping with its commitment to developing junior talent, 12-year-old Sydnie Ng has been invited to take part as EFG’s wildcard entry. She’ll be joined by Singaporean sisters Denise and Jaymie Ng, the top-ranked girl with a +3.7 handicap.
Albert Chiu, Executive Chairman, Asia-Pacific, EFG, said: “EFG is delighted to support the EFG/SICC Junior Invitational Golf Championship and proud to be involved as title sponsor of what is truly a world-class sporting event for elite amateur golfers from around Asia and the world.
“Our support for this Singapore golf tradition is in keeping with our long-standing commitment to supporting young golfers in the Lion City and Hong Kong.”
EFG has supported the development of aspiring elite golfers for over a decade, including Hong Kong’s first LPGA Tour player Tiffany Chan; Asian Tour pro Matthew Cheung; Singapore professionals Leow and Koh, and amateurs Ryan Ang, Chen Xitong and Aloysa Atienza – through its partnership with the SGA.