Unlike other sports, golf is a game that can be played until the veteran years. As age catches up with the player, playing competitively might be challenging. Hence, there is always a need for veteran golfers to have their own circuits and competitions.
In Malaysia, organizations like the Senior Golfers’ Society of Malaysia (SGSM) and the Senior Development Tour (SDT) Malaysia facilitate senior golfers in these initiatives.
Senior Golfers’ Society of Malaysia
The Senior Golfers’ Society of Malaysia or SGSM plays an important role in the development of golf in Malaysia.
As the name implies, it is a society for golfers who are above 55 years of age. Based in Kuala Lumpur, it is the body that provides the platform for golfers who are in their senior ages but who are still passionate about playing the game.
Background of SGSM
The SGSM is one of the oldest golfing organizations in Malaysia with a history dating back to the 1930s. This is the first society for veteran golfers and is open to all Malaysians.
The SGSM was formally established in May 1931 and was based on the Senior Golfer’s Society of Great Britain.
The founders were Messrs. Cochrane, J.L. Sime, Savage Bailey, Arthur Flowerdew and several others who then set the age limit to 50 and above. This would then be changed to 48.
After the formation of the society, C.W.H Cochrane became the first elected president and invitations were sent out, with 55 eligible golfers from across Malaya replied, all becoming the ‘Founder Members’ of the SGSM.
It was also in 1931 that the first constitution of the SGSM was spelled out which would then be practiced for the next 50 years.
Upholding the constitution and practice
As the main society for veteran golfers in Malaysia, the SGSM comes under the purview of the Malaysian Commissioner of Sports. It represents Malaysia in the Confederation of ASEAN Senior Golfers Association or CASGA.
Since the 1980s, the SGSM is managed by a secretariat which is made up of Council Members, and Professionals and led by the President. To date, it has over 3,500 members of whom the Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail is its Royal Patron.
Major events by SGSM
Each year, the SGSM organizes several events which are participated by its members. Among them include the:
- Annual Championship – For 2022, this widely anticipated event was held at the Staffield Golf Country Resort. It was a stroke play competition held at the Western and Southern courses of the club.
- The Singapore Open Senior Amateur Championship – 2022 saw the 32nd edition of this event and was held at the Singapore Island Country Club.
- Johor Senior Amateur Open – This event was held at the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in November 2022.
The Senior Development Tour (SDT)
The SDT or Senior Development Tour Malaysia is an organization aimed at helping senior golfers at the professional level in Malaysia. It plays an integral part in the facilitation of golfers in this age group.
Background of SDT
Founded in 2020, it is one of the latest golf organizations in the country. As more professionals are reaching the 50-year-old level each year, their performance in the competitive stage tends to fall below those who are below that age.
Hence, a platform catering to veteran golfers above 50 years old is relevant and very instrumental so that they can continue to play competitively.
SDT’s roles and responsibilities
The SDT was established for this very purpose in that veteran golfers are able to continue playing through events and tournaments. The SDT is also involved in helping them to participate in competitions both locally and abroad.
As such, SDT supports the development of the senior golf community so that they can be on the same level as other countries. To do this, SDT works closely with other golf organizations in Malaysia like the PGAM and MGA.
SDT is also involved in building the senior golf players’ participation both at the professional and amateur levels respectively.
Events by SDTM
Under the SDTM calendar, several events are organized as part of their efforts. Among them include:
- SDTM Tournament Series – Held 4 times each year at golf clubs around Malaysia, this is an internal tournament organized by SDTM for its ‘Tour Card Holders’. Both Professional and Amateur players are eligible to participate. Amateurs can also move up to Professional using this tournament.
- SDTM Closed – This is an internal tournament by SDTM for its Professional Tour Card Holders. It is organized for the players to compete and win cash prizes. It is held once annually.
- SDTM Open – An open competition held once a year and participated by Professional Status players. It is also open for those from other Senior PGA players. This includes the Senior PGA of Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and the AST PGA, among others.