PETALING JAYA: The morning air at Tropicana Golf and Country Resort hummed with excitement.
One hundred and three golfers had gathered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, for the long-awaited return of the National Press Club (NPC) Malaysia Golf Tournament.
After a decade-long hiatus, the event made a triumphant comeback — with a royal twist.
Gracing the fairways were the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and his consort, Sultanah Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Known for their love of golf and their warmth, the royal couple mingled effortlessly with participants, pausing for selfies and laughter. But it was their unexpected duet that stole the show.
“To Love Somebody” by the Bee Gees filled the air as the Sultan and Tunku Azizah serenaded the crowd.
The setlist grew even more vibrant with Tunku Azizah’s heartfelt renditions of “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.” The audience couldn’t help but sing along, smiles as wide as the greens.
On the leaderboard, Rastam Ariffin Ahmad Khairuddin claimed victory in the men’s category with 41 points, while Ruth Cabalero topped the women’s with 37 points.
But for many, the day’s true triumph lay in the camaraderie fostered between business leaders, government officials, and journalists.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan reflected on the event’s success: “After 10 years, we’ve brought this back, and the response has been incredible. From the sponsors to the royal couple who played — and sang — this event reminds us why we gather.”
The tournament had the backing of the Youth and Sports Ministry with ShekinahPR being the event partner.
The lineup of generous sponsors was Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Datuk Nelson Fernandez, Universal Fitness & Leisure Sdn Bhd, CitaGlobal, Weststar Maxus, Nestlé-Milo, Mazda (Bermaz Auto), FN Initiative, Ducati Malaysia, Carro Sdn Bhd, Malay Mail, MSTGolf, Kami Shampoo, Titoni, Lavand, Car & Co, Dorsett, Cameron Valley, Datuk James Selvaraj, AdamPrimus Chartered Accountants, Tupperware, Allianz, and Camotional Cooling x AX Film.
It also marked NPC’s second sporting initiative of the year, following the “Jom Jalan with NPC 2024” event in June.
A golf tournament is often a test of patience and skill, but this one was more of a celebration of connection, a royal serenade, and a return to cherished traditions.
