Lt Col Otto (centre, in white shirt), Farroul (left), Kim Long (second from left) and Mooi Choo (fourth from right) with the winners of the 26th Otto Golf Classic Tournament in Kajang.
THE 26th Otto Golf Classic Tournament at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang, Selangor proved a huge success, with top-quality golf played and enjoyed by all.
In an event that was started among friends on a leisure trip to Cameron Highlands more than two decades ago, this year’s tournament was the 24th edition, having missed two years (2020 and 2021) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The tournament bears the name of one of the founding members, Lt Col (R) Otto Ong, who turns 89 in two months and serves as its patron.
This is a remarkable story of longevity, both for Otto and the tournament, and the retired armed forces officer said at Impian that he was happy that the event could be held again after two years.In his address at the event, which had a field of 14 flights, Otto said, “It is great to see all these friendly faces again.
“There wasn’t much we could do the last couple of years because of Covid-19, but it’s really nice to have everyone back again, with the inclusion of a few new players.
“Florence and I are just so happy that you have all joined in to make this another successful and enjoyable tournament.”
Florence is Otto’s wife.
Lim Kim Long, another founding member and one of the driving forces behind the tournament, made special mention of Otto completing all 18 holes.
“Otto is an inspiration to all of us and has been over the years.
“This tournament has been made possible through him and the commitment of a group of people who call themselves friends and family,” said Kim Long, who is often referred to as “The Commissioner”.
Tan Chin Teck, a Klangite who returns home each year to help organise and take part in the Otto Classic, made note of “the contributions of individuals and companies who chipped in to make the event possible by way of sponsorship.”
“The generosity of those who have helped the event should not be underestimated,” said Chin Teck, a professor and lecturer at University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, the United States, where he also serves as a tennis coach.
“George Lim of D’Tavern Pub & Restaurant in Port Klang has been a long-time supporter of the Otto Classic, and it is people like him who got us through all these years, and to whom we say a big thank you,” he added.
This year’s overall champion is Eric Lim, a 10-handicapper who finished with 37 points, while the gross champion is Khoo Peng Hua, who managed an 84.
In the A Medal, Oscar Lee topped the leaderboard with 37 points, while Ong Looi Chai was runner-up on countback with 34 and Junior Lim third, also with 34.
The B Medal title went to Mohd Ariff, who “zipped in” from the United Kingdom for the event.
He won on countback as the top three all finished with 35 points.
Foo Si Kian was runner-up and Otto was third.
Impian general manager Farroul Hossey Abdullah said they were pleased by the “favourable comments” made by the players about the condition of the course, and congratulated Datuk Lim Mooi Choo, who won the grand lucky draw prize – a golf bag.
