The OPA Annual Golf 2017 was held on 1st September 2017 in Staffield Golf and Country Club, Mantin.  Instead of the normal tee off on a Saturday morning, it had been decided, that the tournament be held on a Friday, so as to free the organizing committee members who are also tied with responsibilities for the annual dinner preparation on Saturday.  

This year, the tournament attracted a very good field of 18 flights with 71 golfers consisting of Paulians, Lasallians and guests with some Paulians coming from as far as Canada and Singapore. Noticeably, among the participants were two professional golfers, Miss Lim Ai Lian and Victor Lim, siblings, both also Paulians.  There were attractive prizes until the 15th position Nett with some trophies and novelty prizes.  To add glamour and excitement to the event, there were also two “hole in one” prizes of a Honda Accord VTi-L, generously sponsored by Mr. Billy Wong of Messrs. Ban Heng Lee Motors as well as a King Size Lady Americana Mattress worth RM20,000 sponsored by our very consistent OPA sponsor, Mr. Steven Loo of Messrs. Far East Foam Industries Sdn Bhd.  

In the Gross category had Low Seng Koon was defending his crown. There was a high expectations of the pros Ai Lian and Victor to create an impact but this did not materialize. Ai Lian surprisingly played below expectation, may be on purpose, while Victor struggled with a dreadful back injury but nevertheless persevered till the very end.  It was a very close affair with Gabriel Lee Poh Long, Low Seng Koon and Manimaran carding scores of 80, 81, 81 respectively.  Thus Gabriel Lee Poh Long turned “giant-killer” and was crowned the new OPA Gross Champion.  Low Seng Koon won the second placing on official count back and Manimaran settled for third placing.  

For the Nett category, first timer, Stanley Shoon of the 3rd Seremban Scouts, won the honour in his first attempt.  Playing to a handicap of 16, Stanley carded a very impressive Nett score of 71.  Trailing him closely in second place was Santhana Dass, handicap 13 who carded a Nett score of 72.  The third place, was won by Low Kok Khen, a 12 handicapper with a Nett score of 73

Besides conveying his thanks and appreciation to Mr. Billy Wong and Mr. Steven Loo, the organizing chairman, Steven Chan also conveyed a sincere vote of thanks to Mr. Francis Yew of Heineken Malaysia Berhad for the sponsorship of the free Tiger Beer as well as the golf umbrella as door gift.