05-08-2025
Sabahan to represent Malaysia at Faldo Futures Final in UK
Carla (center) with her parents, Jeiganesan (fourth right) and Cornelia (fifth left), posing with Chua (second right), Nash (third right), Johny (third left), Desmond (fourth left), Donnie (second left) and Ronnie (left).
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 5): Seven-year-old Carla Keisha is set to make history as she prepares to represent Sabah — and Malaysia — at the prestigious Faldo Futures Final 2025 golf competition in the United Kingdom this month.
Hailing from Kampung Mook, Kinarut, and the second of three siblings, Carla will compete in the junior girls' 7–10 age category at The Belfry Hotel in Birmingham, England, from August 20 to 21.
Carla's father, Jeiganesan Muthusamy, 47, shared her early journey during a fundraising event held at Kinabalu Golf Club, Tanjung Aru, on Tuesday.
'She first held a golf club at the age of one. By two, she was already swinging mine, so I had to modify it to fit her size,' he recalled.
When she turned three, Carla and her two sisters were enrolled in Likas Golf Academy, where they trained under Sabah National Sports Council (MSN) coaches Donnie Intung and Ronnie Pancratius.
Carla's golfing achievements have grown steadily this year. Her debut was at the Sabah Junior Master on April 13 at the Par 3, Likas Driving Range, where she placed fourth. On April 21, she clinched a bronze medal in the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Daerah Kota Kinabalu at Nexus Golf Resort, Karambunai.
On June 14, she came in second at the SportExcel Golf Remaja Malaysia 2025 Kiddies Tour at Shan Shui Golf and Resort, Tawau. Her biggest win came in early July when she emerged champion at the Faldo Futures held at Pantai Dalit Golf Resort, qualifying her for the finals in England.
Despite her school commitments at Sekolah Chung Hwa Kota Kinabalu, Carla still found time to finish second at the PCGC Junior Golf Tournament at Likas Driving Range.
Her mother, Cornelia Simon, 43, said the family is proud of her achievement.
'This is a big opportunity for Carla to represent Sabah and Malaysia internationally, while gaining invaluable experience at a young age,' she said.
Kinabalu Golf Club (KGC) Captain Chua Poh Guan said Carla is a rare talent.
'Golf is not about age, it's about interest and talent. Carla has both, along with professional guidance,' he said, urging the Sabah National Sports Council and Sabah Golf Association (SGA) to nurture more young talents.
SGA president Nash Hon affirmed the association's commitment to junior golf development in Sabah and pledged support for Carla's journey.
The family is currently seeking public and corporate sponsorship to raise around RM30,000 for Carla's participation, which includes competition fees, airfare, accommodation, and related expenses.
Those interested in supporting Carla may contact Cornelia at 016-881 8224.
Also present at the event were Sabah Youth Council member Johny Galvin (N.27 Limbahau), Assistant Director (Cooperation) Desmond Qwek representing the Sabah Youth and Sports Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Mansur Asun, and coaches Donnie and Ronnie.
