The highly anticipated Volvo Golf Challenge was back again this year for the 8th time! The Malaysian qualifying round, which was held recently on 5th November 2015 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, saw a participation of 90 aspiring Jordan Spieths and Rory McIlroys, all who teed-off with a common goal in sight – to be Malaysia’s best and ultimately, the world’s best amateur golfer in this year’s challenge.

This annual golf tournament organized by Volvo Trucks Malaysia, gathered golfers of various backgrounds – Volvo’s customers, partners and members of the media – for an epic showdown of handicap level and swinging prowess on the greens.

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia said, “The Volvo Group has been a title sponsor for hundreds of world-class golf events around the world. Golf challenges have always been an integral part of our Volvo culture and they will continue to be so to celebrate the bond we have with our stakeholders. In Malaysia, one or two in five of our customers are on the greens, and over the years, the event has reaffirmed our relationship with our partners and supporters to be one which transcends business.”

For the first time since its inception, Volvo Malaysia held a charity auction at the Golf Challenge this year. The proceedings of the auction went to a charity home named Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang, which is home to 70 children with special needs. Participants of the Golf Challenge made bids for several personalised merchandise including golf accessories and limited edition scale models of Volvo Trucks as well as a signed pin flag by 13 top European Pro’s alongside a TaylorMade golf bag signed by Sergio Garcia. The total amount raised and other donations were RM25, 000. Mats added that, “It is terrific that this time around amongst friendly competition; we have added a noble cause to the equation. This would not have been possible without the support of our partners, customers and invited guests.”

Nilsson added that golf is also a global sport with extreme growth in many markets, and similarly Volvo Trucks has grown tremendously since it first started in Malaysia close to 50 years ago. He said that the Volvo Golf Challenge also creates a platform to further communicate on Volvo’s core values and the premium quality and services of the brand to key stakeholders through this established and premier sport.

The half-day event had players battling it out in the crisp morning air until the glare of the afternoon sun when finally, a champion was named. Businessman, Mr Jonathan Kok from Jasa Export Sdn Bhd surpassed all adversaries on the course and swung to victory to become the winner of the tournament with an impressive score of 36 (OCB) points.

His win has rendered him to be the face to represent Malaysia in the upcoming Volvo World Golf Challenge to be held in Shanghai in March 2016. He will be up against the best from across the world to compete for the ultimate title of the Volvo World Golf Challenge-World Finals Champion 2015.

“I was surprised but very elated. I didn’t even think of going anywhere near the top but I am so glad I did. While it is a competition, it still was a lot of fun, and winning a fun competition tops it all. And to say the least, I am extremely honoured to represent Malaysia at the global championship, and at the same time, nervous as well. It has been a thrilling game and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue this journey with other golfers at the world challenge. Thank you, Volvo Trucks, for this wonderful opportunity”, said Jonathan.

Chung Chee Yoon from Chip Seng Heng Sdn Bhd and Dato’ IR Haji Mohamad bin Talib from JPJ came in a close 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Their efforts were rewarded with a trophy and each received a Titleist golf club.

Since its inauguration in 1988, the tournament has gathered more than one million golfers around the world in this exciting, competitive and highly-esteemed event regarded favourably among aspiring golfers.