THE Johor Golf Expo 2024 (JGE 2024) is set to establish Johor as a premier golf destination not only in Malaysia but also in Southeast Asia.
With 28 golf courses, including several boasting world-class facilities, and a growing interest in sports tourism, Johor is poised for significant economic growth and nurturing new golfing talent to place Malaysia on the global sports map.
The three-day expo showcases about 60 exhibitors from diverse sectors such as hospitality, golf technology and tourism, offering attendees insights into the latest golf innovations.
Held at the Senibong Golf Resort in Gelang Patah, the event featured an international 18-hole golf course with newly renovated Tifdwarf Bermuda greens to provide golfers with a new experience.
The expo attracted more than 1,000 participants — competitors and spectators — to the Pro-Am International Championship, MGA Junior Championship and Ladies' Championship, as well as Foot Golf and Fairway Family Day on Friday.
Even former Manchester United and England star Lee Sharpe attempted his putt in the hole-in-one challenge, which was part of the inaugural JGE 2024 activity.
Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the state government was committed to turning golf into an accessible sport for everyone.
"Golf is not about how expensive your equipment is, it is about one's talent."
He said the search for golf talent programmes in schools would be expanded through the State Sports Council.
The initiative, he said, aimed to identify young talent to nurture their golfing skills.
"Golf fosters focus and discipline, which is why we want to introduce the curriculum at the school level — to make the sport accessible to all, regardless of their background or the price of their equipment.
"Starting next year, Johor will introduce talent search programmes in schools to nurture young golfers," he said, adding that it would make the sport more inclusive.
Johor's growing golf industry serves as a powerful engine for economic growth, particularly through sports tourism.
"Sports tourism is a game-changer for Johor, with golf at the forefront," Hairi said, adding that Johor-born golf stars such as Kelly Tan and Alyaa Abdulghany had made the country proud.
"Events like the JGE 2024 will boost hotels, restaurants and services, driving our tourism goals for Visit Johor 2026."
As JGE 2024 wraps up its grand event today, it solidifies Johor's position not only as a golf hub but also as a thriving centre for talent development and economic expansion through sports.
Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) chief executive officer Datuk Lukman Abu Bakar said the expo was made possible with the cooperation of Senibong Golf Resort, key industry players, the private sector and the state government.
He said the cooperation was important because golf was not just a sport but also the core of the industry that brought positive changes to everyone, from young golfers to local businesses.
JGE 2024 was co-organised by Champions Golf and KPRJ Sports Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of KPRJ.
The three-day expo brought key industry players, including manufacturers, suppliers, golf club owners and golf enthusiasts.
JGE2024 aims to promote Johor as a major hub for the golf industry and sports tourism in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.