CLOSING PR ENGLISH
GELANG PATAH—After three dynamic days full of excitement, the Johor Golf Expo 2024 (JGE2024) has come to a triumphant close, marking a major step in transforming Johor into a leading sports tourism hotspot for golf enthusiasts.
Held from October 18 to 20, this year’s expo truly emphasized inclusivity and community engagement, capturing the hearts of golf lovers and industry experts alike.
Organized by Champions Golf and co-organized by KPRJ Sports Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn. Bhd. (KPRJ), the expo showcased an exciting array of activities that united the golfing community in celebration.
Matthew A. Murray, Managing Director of Champions Golf, in sharing his excitement for the event’s triumph said: “JGE2024 marks a fantastic beginning for future endeavors. This expo not only bridged the sport with the public but also highlighted Johor’s potential as a premier international golf destination.”
One of the standout events was the inaugural Family Fairway Fun Festival held at Senibong Golf Club, aimed at making golf enjoyable and accessible for families and newcomers. With over 1,000 enthusiastic participants, the festival showcased youth and women’s tournaments, alongside a thrilling Pro-Am event featuring over 200 players—an inspiring launchpad for local talent aspiring for global acclaim.
Murray added, “JGE2024 transcends mere competition; it serves as a vital platform for presenting the latest technologies and innovations within the golf industry.”
The expo proudly hosted more than 60 exhibitors from both local and international markets, creating a vibrant space for engaging discussions and potential collaborations throughout the golfing community.
Adding a star touch to the event, international sports icon Lee Sharpe, the former Manchester United star, participated in the thrilling ‘Hole-in-One’ challenge, drawing global attention and further spotlighting the expo on an international stage.
The opening ceremony was a notable occasion, attended by Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, Chairman of the Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee, along with Dato’ Lukman Abu Bakar, CEO of KPRJ. They participated in exciting activities like footgolf and the newly launched golf range entertainment system while exploring various sponsor booths.
Among the event’s remarkable innovations were the launch of Johor’s very first golf booking system by Cara, and the introduction of AceRange’s entertainment golf range experience, enhancing the overall attendee experience.
The closing ceremony saw a celebratory atmosphere with Datuk Noorazam Osman, Mayor of Johor Baru City Council, and KPRJ Chief Operating Officer, Zainal Abidin Zakaria, presenting awards to the tournament winners.
As we look forward to the future, Murray expressed great optimism for JGE2025, stating, “We aim to elevate the next event to even greater heights, fostering increased participation from professional players and continuing to invigorate our vibrant golfing community!”