Dream debut for Hoe, Liow

Hoe (left) and Liow with Fox after their triumph on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club. — Courtesy photo

Malaysian duo win the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am alongside Ryan Fox

MICHAEL Hoe and Francis Liow could hardly have scripted a better first appearance at the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am than what transpired at this year’s event.

Paired with New Zealand star Ryan Fox, the Malaysian duo produced a composed, confident performance to win the tournament on debut – an achievement that left both men “over the moon” and savouring an experience they described as exceptional from start to finish.

For Hoe, 60, an executive director at PA Resources Berhad, and Liow, 63, a retiree and committee member at Kelab Golf Negara Subang, the Pro-Am was meant to be an enjoyable outing rather than a serious tilt at the title.

With handicaps of 16 and 14, respectively, their ambitions were modest. But the combination of a world-class course, immaculate organisation and the chance to play alongside a proven tour winner created the perfect environment for them to settle in, swing freely and ultimately outperform the field in a Texas Scramble showdown.

On their return to Kuala Lumpur, both players spoke to TeeUp glowingly about the experience, praising the organisers for delivering an event where “every single detail was covered, from the beginning to the end”.

The Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, long regarded as one of the finest layouts on any global tour, lived up to its reputation, offering outstanding conditions and a stage worthy of the tournament’s stature.

What elevated the day further was the presence of Fox, whose easy manner and professionalism left a strong impression on both Malaysians.

“He’s not only a DP World Tour winner, but also a genuinely nice person,” Hoe said, noting how much they enjoyed the rhythm and camaraderie of the round.

That comfort translated into performance: relaxed, confident swings, a handful of standout shots, and even a few near misses that added to the drama.

Liow said that the sheer joy of the occasion helped them play above expectations.

“With no pressure and plenty of encouragement from Fox, we found a steady groove that carried us through the round and, eventually, to the top of the leaderboard.

“Winning such an illustrious Pro-Am at the first attempt is something I will remember for a long time,” he added.

Asked whether they could return to defend their title, the answer came instantly – and in unison. “Yes,” they said, without hesitation.

While the Pro-Am delivered its own memorable storyline, the main event of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic concluded with American Patrick Reed claiming the first DP World Tour title of the new year.

Reed finished four strokes clear of England’s Andy Sullivan, with France’s Julien Guerrier taking third.

But for Hoe and Liow, the week belonged to their own unexpected triumph – a day when everything aligned, the company was world-class, and a dream debut turned into a trophy-winning performance.