Adam Arif Madzri and Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser hung tough in sweltering heat to win the boys' and girls' titles respectively in the 12th TSM Golf Challenge, which concluded today at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC).

Tied for the lead at the start of the third and final round at KLGCC's West Course, Adam carded a 70 for a total of three-under-par 213, edging Hanoi SEA Games team gold medalist Marcus Lim - who also closed with 70 - by one shot.

Poon Jia Hao also fired a 70 to claim third place on 217. In fourth place on 221 was another member of Malaysia's victorious SEA Games squad, Nateeshvar Anatha Ganesh, who shot a final round 77 to edge first round leader and 36-hole co-leader Malcolm Ting (78) on countback.

"I feel grateful that I'm able to finally win this event after playing in it five times, I think - and this is my last year! Playing the West Course, especially from the black tees, was quite challenging and I'm glad that I won." said the 21-year-old Adam, who will be over-age for the next TSM Golf Challenge.

"Thanks to TSM and everyone for providing us with this beautiful golf course and the great hospitality," he added.

Adam heads back to the United States next month for his senior year with Ferris State University in Michigan.

Zulaikah with mum Nur Aisyah and dad Nasser

Zulaikah meanwhile closed out a four-shot, wire-to-wire victory in the girls' event, despite a final round 77 which gave her a total of seven-over-par 223.

2019 champion Winnie Ng Yu Xuan closed with 73 to take runner-up honours on 227, ahead of Ng Jing Xuen (75) and Liyana Azizan Durisic (78) on countback.

"Today was just tough overall, with Liyana, Winnie and all the girls playing really well and fighting every single hole, so it was really up and down. It was tough today but we got it done," said Zulaikah, who will start her senior year with Sam Houston State University in Texas this September.

"I didn't expect coming back from the States to win at home, especially at the TSM Golf Challenge, but I'm glad I did," added the 20-year-old. "I've played twice before in the TSM and it's good to win."

Organised by the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf Foundation (TSMCGF), the TSM Golf Challenge is making a return after a two-year lapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two champions received grants from the foundation to help further their golf careers.

During the prizegiving lunch, TSMCGF founder Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin noted that they will be elevating the championship to an international event in 2023 in conjunction with the foundation's 20th anniversary. "It is our intention to strengthen the TSM Golf Challenge brand and entrench it as one of the leading regional junior championships," he said.

Youth & Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu was among the dignitaries who attended the event.

Final Scores
Boys (Top 10)
213 - Adam Arif Madzri 73-70-70
214 - Marcus Lim Pang Chuen 74-70-70
217 - Poon Jia Hao 74-73-70
221 - Nateeshvar Anatha Ganesh 77-67-77, Malcolm Ting Siong Hung 72-71-78
224 - Muhammad Hariz Muhd Hezri 82-69-73 
227 - Austin Gan Zi Ming 77-76-74, Nor Haqeim Nor Hadi 79-72-76, Syed Nor Ismail Sha Syed Hussein 75-73-79
228 - Isaac To Chern Yi 76-75-77, Umar Khushairi Muhd Kamal 73-77-78

Girls (Top 10)
227 - Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser 71-75-77
227 - Winnie Ng Yu Xuan 75-79-73, Ng Jing Xuen 79-73-75, Liyana Azizan Durisic 72-77-78
229 - Ashley Goh 74-75-80
233 - Nur Maisara Sa'ad 78-78-77, Eliza Mae Kho 76-78-79
234 - Foong Xi Yu 80-77-77
237 - Kelly Low Ka Yan 79-76-82
243 - Ashley Chin Yen Ling 81-83-79