Sibu has the potential to be a major golf tournament venue.

SIBU, 20 September: Sibu has the potential to be a venue for golf tournaments on a larger scale following the celebration of the sport as well as the experience of Sibu Golf Club hosting the tournament continuously.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government is ready to work with Sibu Golf Club to look at opportunities for expanding golf tournament sponsorship in future.

Obviously, the clubs need to explore possible cooperation spaces with the ministry, including applying according to established procedures for sponsorship support.

"If next year and the years to come I am still looking after youth and sports, there will be plenty of room for us to work together to organize bigger events. The clubs can also apply for an annual grant to the ministry to support activities", he said.

He said this while addressing the 23rd Sibu Amateur Open Golf Championship 2026 Awards Ceremony at Sibu Golf Club, today.

He added that although Sibu Golf Club is a private club, the cost of managing and maintaining golf activities and facilities is not an easy task, so government and private sector support is essential to keep the sport growing.

He also saw Sibu Golf Club have a solid foundation to thrive after successfully surviving more than five decades since its establishment.

"A swan has many individuals who are so passionate and love the sport. Maintaining the entire golf course is not easy. So we need to work together, the government and the private sector, to provide support", he added.

According to him, aspects of facilities could also be considered if Sibu organises larger tournaments in the future, including conditions on the pitch as well as facilities at golf clubs.

Abdul Karim said the state government is also expanding golf facilities in Sarawak with three new golf courses that have been approved, including in Kuching, Belawai and Beraya areas of Miri.

He hoped that the Sibu Golf Club could continue to improve facilities and quality of attendance in order to allow more prestigious tournaments to be held in Sibu in the future.

At the tournament, Anson Yeo Boon Xiang emerged champion of the Men's Gross category with a record 206 hits, while Livia Lau Kiew Lin won the Women's Gross category with 239 hits.

Roslan Kassim won the Men's Nett category with 137 hits, while Lau Jie Tin Miki emerged as the Women's Nett champion with 137 hits, as well as several other categories.