Golfers prepare for Sukma through intensive training

By Y.P. SIVAM

UNITED STATES based golfers Ainil Johani Abu Bakar and Mohammad Iszaimi Ismail have returned to spearhead Selangor's challenge in the Sukma in Kuala Terengganu on May 31-June 9.

Ainil Johani and Mohammad Iszaimi are members of the Selangor training squad of five men and four women.

Sharing tips: Coach Harris Zainal (in white T-shirt) giving some pointers to Mohammad Iylia Jamil while the other players watch.

Besides Ainil Johani, the other women in the squad are Khairunhanisah Azlan, Isza Fariza Ismail and Nurain Nabeela Abdul Ghani.

The five men training squad comprises Mohammad Iszaimi, Daniel Azuan Suhaimee, Muhammad Iylia Jamil, Gavin Kyle Green and Wilson Choo.

Ainil Johani was the bronze medallist in the SEA Games in Korat last year; Muhammad Iylia is a former national player while Choo and Green are members of the National squad.

Selangor coach Harris Zainal said they would name their final squad of four men and three women before departure to Kuala Terengganu.

The golf event in the Sukma will be held at the Tuanku Mirzan Golf and Country Club on June 3-5. Four gold medals are stake in the golf event. Selangor had dominated the golf event in the last two Games in Negri Sembilan and Kedah.

Naturally, Selangor are eager to continue their supremacy in the golf event in Sukma. Harris said they had a wealth of talents in the team.

Monitoring: Harris watches Isza Fariza Ismail putting during a training session.

“But more importantly, the players must be in the right frame of mind to battle the golf course. The prevailing wind conditions at the course are quite challenging. The course is very straightforward. If our players can overcome the wind conditions, then we are on course for glory,'' said Harris after a training session at the Kelab Golf Negara Subang.

The players had the opportunity to test the course when they took part in the Terengganu Amateur Open championships early this month.

Selangor's preparation started in November last year. According to Harris, they had identified the nine players based on their results in local and international competitions and the national trials.

“We have been monitoring their performance in the competitions. We also get together for training sessions every month. During the sessions we have the chance to exchange ideas as well as listen to the players' comments. We are pleased with the players' enthusiasm,'' said Harris.

In Kuala Terengganu, the women will be involved in two rounds while the men will play three rounds. The team gold medal will be determined with the two best scores for women and three best scores for men.

The Selangor team will leave for Kuala Terengganu on Saturday. Before the competition begins on June 3, the players will get the opportunity to evaluate their progress during the practice rounds.

Star