Philippine's Ochoa clinches 2011 Baiduri Masters

HE flew in to Brunei for one reason: to play in the 2011 Baiduri Masters.

Filipino national golfer Carlos Miguel Eleazar Ochoa fired a one-under 71 to be crowned the champion of the 16th edition of the Sultanate's most prestigious golf tournament yesterday at the Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club in Berakas.

With only 12 making it into the final round after two weekends of competition featuring over 900 golfers, the 21-year-old Filipino only won by one shot to don the Green Jacket during a prize presentation ceremony held last night at the Orchid Garden Hotel in Berakas.

The best gross scorer in the qualifiers, Amalularifin Hilmi Abdul Rahman finished in the runner-up spot with his score of 72 on countback.

The next three spots were occupied by Hj Arfian Hj Abd Kadir, last year's champion Seruji Hj Setia and Khairul Khamis respectively. Each of them had matching 72s but were positioned on countback.

Present as guest of honour during the ceremony was YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Muqtadir, the son of Baiduri Bank chairperson Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hajah Zariah, who presented the trophy to Carlos Miguel Eleazar.

The other winners in their respective divisions at the RBA Golf Club were Muhd Hariz Hasim (Division A), Hj Sani Hj Bakir (Division B), Hariel Hj Simpol (Division C), Lim Chai Hock (Senior), Hazel Tan Kim Lien (Ladies) and Bryan Chiew Chun Hao (Junior).

The highlight of the event saw a total of $60,000 handed over to various charity and welfare organisations.

A total of five prizes are up for grabs as hole-in-one prizes this year.

Besides the Porsche, BMW and Land Rover, golfers also stand a chance to win two cash prizes of $20,000 each.

However, no one won any of the prizes on offer.

In the competition's 15-year history, only one person has managed to hit an ace and drive home a brand new BMW with Elyas Abdullah Tseu taking the honour back in 2008.

The Brunei Times