Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 13:

The winner of the sixth Carlsbrg Golf Classic Tournament, Maj Narendra Kumar Rai today left for Kuala Lumpur to represent Nepal at the Carlsberg Malaysian Open Golf Tournament, which is going to be held there from February 17.

At Royal Nepal Golf Club, Rai scored three under par 64 to win the event with a one-stroke lead over Lopsang Tashi at the Carlsberg Golf Tournament 2004. Playing with 10 handicap, Rai completed the front nine holes at four over 37 and back nine at three over 36 for a gross a score of 74 on the par-67 course. With the tournament title, he got the opportunity to represent Nepal courtesy Carlsberg.

The four-day tournament, scheduled to be played at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, has been sanctioned by both Asian PGA and European Tour resulting in stronger fields and worldwide tevevision broadcasts. Some 150 renowned golfers from both the Tours will be vying for the top honour and purse over $2,00,000 that comes with the glittering winner’s trophy.

“Obviously I’m extremely delighted to be representing Nepal at the richest Golf Tour in Asia,” said Rai. He added, “On top of that, this has provided me with a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the world’s top golfers. That’s going to be one heck of an experience for me.”

Rai was seen off by the president of RNGC Siddheshwor Kumar Singh at a function on Sunday. “More than promoting any single golfer, I believe this kind of effort will play a major role in enhancing the level of the game of golf in Nepal,” said Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, director of Gorkha Brewery Rabindra Man Shrestha assured that the company would continue its support for the development of golf in Nepal.