The Toyota Tour, a joint effort by UMW Toyota Motor, Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM), and MST Golf, hosted a meaningful #GolfForGood event today in collaboration with Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM). This event brought together professional golfers from the Toyota Tour and SOM athletes, celebrating inclusivity in sports and fostering a spirit of unity and inspiration.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Honourable Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr. KP Low, Executive Chairman of MST Golf Group, Ms. Kok Lee Min, National Director of Special Olympics Malaysia, and YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of Yayasan Sime Darby. Also present were key representatives from Toyota, PGM, MST Golf, the media, and the golf industry.
In his opening remarks, Encik Nik Mustapha, General Manager of Professional Golf of Malaysia, highlighted the successes of the Elite Junior Programme and ongoing junior golf clinics, emphasizing their role in nurturing young talent and promoting inclusivity in golf. The #GolfForGood event further underscores the positive impact of the Toyota Tour, which has been instrumental in advancing both professional and junior golfers since 2023.
Encik Nik Mustapha also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continuous support of the #GolfForGood initiative. He noted, "Together with the Ministry, we share a common goal of promoting sports, particularly golf, to foster inclusivity and advance the nation’s sports agenda."
Ms. Kok Lee Min, National Director of SOM, mentioned, "This year marks the 25th anniversary of Special Olympics Malaysia. We are honored to have received a Special Award at the National Sports Awards for our performance at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, where Team Malaysia won 4 gold, 5 silver, and 9 bronze medals. We now look forward to preparing for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Chile, aiming to compete in Level 3 and 4 events, including 9-hole and 18-hole golf."
Over the past six months, SOM athletes have participated in 12 bi-weekly golf lessons with professional coaches from MST Golf Academy and The Golf Lab, who volunteered their time. These lessons, covering Grip and Posture, Driver, Irons, Putting, and Chipping, reflect MST Golf's strong commitment to inclusivity and community support.
YB Puan Hannah Yeoh expressed her appreciation for the #GolfForGood initiative, stating, "On behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, I extend our sincere thanks to PGM, UMW Toyota Motor, and MST Golf. Through the Toyota Tour, this partnership not only nurtures the competitive spirit of Malaysia’s professional golfers but also creates opportunities for juniors and athletes with disabilities to excel."
YB Hannah Yeoh also recognized UMW Toyota Motor and MST Golf Group for their contributions to the golf industry through the Toyota Tour, adding, "This is a prime example of how Malaysian corporations can harness the power of sports while also investing in society and nation-building." Tokens of appreciation were presented to Datuk Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor, and Mr. KP Low, Executive Chairman of MST Golf Group.
The event's highlight was a short game on the green, where Toyota Tour players interacted with SOM athletes in a chip and putt activity. This engagement not only showcased the athletes' skills but also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and community support.
The Toyota Tour aims to become a premier domestic golf circuit globally, bridging the gap between professional and amateur golf and strengthening the sport's development in Malaysia. The ongoing collaboration between PGM, UMW Toyota Motor, and MST Golf strives to make golf accessible to all and continuously support the growth of the sport locally.
The #GolfForGood event between the Toyota Tour and Special Olympics Malaysia demonstrates the power of sports to unite and inspire individuals with disabilities. As Encik Nik Mustapha stated, "Together, we are creating special moments where golf transcends generations and welcomes everyone. Let’s join hands to promote inclusivity, nurture more talent, and elevate golf – a sport with immense potential for youth."
For more information, visit https://toyota-tour.toyota.com.my/ or follow Toyota Tour on Facebook and Instagram at @mytoyotagolf.
