The crown is an essential aspect of golf, a visual reference on the club to help align the clubface with its intended target - influencing its trajectory and destination. Since its inception, the crown of the Baiduri Masters has been charity.

Proceeds from the 25th edition of the tournament will go to charitable organisations which include SMARTER Brunei, Learning Ladders Society, and YASKA.

These organisations provide welfare support and raise awareness for people with different abilities and needs, relying on donations to cover operating expenses - such as rent and salaries – or the expansion of facilities so they can serve more students and patients.

“COVID-19 was particularly hard for organisations like SMARTER as we were not able to carry out our usual fundraising initiatives,” said Malai Didi Malai Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of SMARTER Brunei.

“Fundraising is extremely important for non-profits as it allows us to invest in our facilities and programmes – in more learning materials and therapists for our students.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Dr. Sharina Yunus, President of Learning Ladders Society.

“Our ABA programme focuses on helping children with autism and other related disorders learn new skills, improve their relationships and their quality of life,” she said.

“All of these require a lot of resources, hence we are extremely grateful for the continuous support from the Baiduri Masters and all other donations we receive as it allows us to continue the work we do for the community.”

Tsara’Nawwarah Abdullah Chen, Vice Chair of YASKA, added: “All of the work we do at YASKA to help our children throughout their treatment is made possible by our wonderful volunteers and donations from initiatives such as the Baiduri Masters.”

The Baiduri Masters tees off today at Pantai Mentiri Golf Club, where it will be held over the next two weekends – 28 July to 30 July and 4 August to 6 August.

Registration for the Baiduri Masters is still open. Interested players can confirm their participation in this year’s tournament by submitting their forms and making payment in full at the registration counter of the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club.