Asia-Pacific competition at Glenmarie next month

With the launching of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Mid-Amateur Championships the region will boast a full complement of top-level tournaments for all age groups.

Open to players aged between 35 and 54, the inaugural men’s and women’s championships will be staged concurrently over the Garden course at Malaysia’s Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from June 13 to 16.

Taimur Hassan Amin, chairman of the APGC, said: “We’re excited to introduce the APGC Mid-Amateurs as this is probably the largest segment of players who play serious amateur golf but have limited opportunity to participate in competitive tournaments.

“Within this age bracket there are so many talented players – male and female – who enjoy the thrill of competition. With the APGC Mid-Amateur Championships we’ll be filling a gap and providing a platform for those who fall within this category to shine.

“It’s a welcome new addition to the APGC’s expanding portfolio of tournaments, creating a playing opportunity for those who are still playing their best golf but find it difficult to adjust to the ever-increasing number of junior players that now form most of the national teams,” he said.

“So, instead of them waiting for years to play in the APGC Seniors, they now will have a serious championship to keep their game sharp and remain in touch with their contemporaries.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming players from most of our member counties to enjoy the competition, make new friends from within our region and enjoy the championship atmosphere.

“Our thanks go to the Malaysian Golf Association for their assistance and support in staging the Mid-Amateur Championships and to Glenmarie Golf & Country Club for providing the facilities.”

The Mid-Amateur Championships are open to men and women who have amateur status in accordance with the current Amateur Status Rules of R&A Rules Limited.

Ladies must have a world handicao system (WHS) index of 6 or less. The men must have a WHS handicap index of 3 or less.

The handicap used at the date of entry will be used for all purposes.

With the inauguration of the Mid-Amateur Championships, the confederation now has tournaments that cater to all age groups.

In addition to the APGC Junior Championships and Senior Championships, the confederation partners with the R&A and Masters Tournament to stage the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships, and with the R&A to stage the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific.