JOHOR, (SOROT1.ID) — The 31st edition of the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final 2026, held in Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia, has officially concluded with resounding success. This global amateur golf tournament served not only as a proving ground for 620 golfers from 48 countries, but also reaffirmed the dominance and readiness of Southeast Asia’s sports tourism infrastructure.
The five-day global event was held across five premium courses—including The Els Club Desaru Coast, Forest City Golf Resort, and Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort—and was made possible through the collaboration of the Johor Golf Tourism Association (JGTA), Delta World, Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.
Host Triumph and Regional Achievements
On the course, the host nation’s contingent recorded an extraordinary feat by sweeping the tournament’s main trophies. Malaysia successfully secured the most prestigious title, WAGC Team Champion (Overall Team Champion), with an accumulated total score of 1,405.
The host country’s success was further bolstered when Malaysian businessman and elite golfer Akmal Aiman Mohd Fauzi delivered a dominant performance to claim the Overall Gross Champion title with an outstanding score of -2.5 (365). In the WAGC Individual (Nett) category, two Malaysian representatives, Azhari Yusof (Division C, score 346) and Ahmad Hakim (Division D, score 344), also brought home first-place trophies.
Equally impressive, the Red and White contingent from Indonesia made its mark on the world podium by securing 3rd Place in the WAGC Team (Nett) competition with a total score of 1,451. Indonesia’s strong showing was reinforced by individual achievements, including Aquino, who finished as 1st Runner-up in Division E (score 355), and Feni Hendrawansyah, who took 2nd Runner-up in Division D (score 356).
Organizer Testimonials and Local Economic Catalyst
Jeffri, one of the key athletes from the Malaysian team, expressed his gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the entire squad that led to their ultimate victory on home soil.
“This year Malaysia won the Main Team Champion title, thanks to everyone’s dedication and commitment to becoming champions in Johor. This is a fantastic achievement following our hard work on the course,” he asserted.
From a tourism development perspective, Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Package Development Division, Zuraini Abdul Ghani, highlighted that the WAGC World Final 2026 served as a crucial momentum in strengthening the image of international sports destinations.
“This year, Malaysia successfully emerged as team champion in this extraordinary tournament. We are extremely proud of the hard work shown by all participants and committee members. This event proves that Malaysia, particularly Johor, is a world-class golf destination ready to welcome global travelers,” Zuraini stated.
Meanwhile, JGTA President Dato’ Mohd Jamal Salleh (Colonel) expressed his pride in the seamless execution of the event, which hosted hundreds of golfers and international delegates.
“We are very proud to be part of the WAGC World Final 2026 as a co-organizer. This tournament has been a resounding success, hosting 620 golfers from all over the world during five days of competition,” said Dato’ Mohd Jamal Salleh.
Looking Ahead to the WAGC 2027 Relay in Vietnam
The success of the 31st edition in Johor provides a strong foundation for the relay of the next WAGC World Final, scheduled to take place in Vietnam in 2027. With continuous synergy between tourism and world-class championships in Southeast Asia, the region further cements its position as a growing hub for sports tourism and a premier golf destination for the global community.
