The highly exclusive golf competition perfectly represents the brand’s commitment to excellence as well as its dedication to providing customers with an exceptional ownership experience (Photo: Suhaimi Yusuf/ The Edge Malaysia)
Into its 33rd year, the much-awaited MercedesTrophy returns, expertly blending the passion for golf and luxury automobiles in one cool swing. For those unfamiliar with the international amateur tournament series, it dates back to 1991, and was designed exclusively with golf-loving Mercedes-Benz customers in mind. Fast forward to the present, it now hosts over 60,000 golfers from more than 60 countries each year.
How does it work, one may ask? For the upcoming MercedesTrophy 2023, participation is open to all Mercedes-Benz passenger car owners who have purchased their vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s authorised dealers over the last five years or, to be precise, from Jan 1, 2018, onwards. Customers need to submit their entries via online registration.
“The MercedesTrophy reflects the brilliant connection between sports and lifestyle while underlining Mercedes-Benz’s luxury status,” says Sagree Sardien, CEO and president of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. “Just like our products, golf embodies a passion for perfection. Each swing has to be perfect every time. Similarly, our products are crafted with precision, ensuring the quality our customers know and love.”
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The tournament kicks off on May 11 at the Forest City Resort in Johor, and winners of each subsequent qualifying round — which will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club — will then meet for the national final at The Els Club Desaru Coast on June 27.
“Forest City and KLGCC were selected as the qualifying round venues because they are considered the most prestigious golf courses in the Klang Valley and southern region. Both courses have received numerous awards and recognition, locally and internationally,” Sardien says.
“The Els Club is a golfing paradise set in nature. It offers a luxurious experience like no other. Therefore, to further elevate our status as the most coveted amateur golfing event of the year, we are excited to welcome The Els Club and Desaru Coast, our two new partners, who will be hosting the MercedesTrophy national final for the first time this year. Our owners look forward to the tournament every year and we are glad to be able to host them again.”
Musing on its success and the high number of amateur golfers it attracts, Sardien says: “The MercedesTrophy, a highly exclusive golf competition only for Mercedes-Benz owners, perfectly represents the brand’s commitment to excellence as well as its dedication to providing customers with an exceptional ownership experience. You get the opportunity to showcase your golfing skills and compete with other car owners in a friendly and enjoyable environment. I must also say one of the reasons the tournament continues to be such a hit is the strong brand loyalty and sense of community that participating in the MercedesTrophy fosters. You are provided with a platform upon which to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for our brand as well as golf! Moreover, there is also the opportunity to experience the luxurious lifestyle synonymous with the Mercedes brand. From high-end venues to exquisite hospitality, all it takes is to participate in the championship just once to know it is an experience that is both unparalleled and unforgettable.”
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Apart from the days of fun, competitive golfing in sunny, tropical weather to look forward to, guests can also expect to be pampered by the luxury marque’s unmatched hospitality and attention to detail.
“The MercedesTrophy perfectly encapsulates the essence of the finer things in life and sport that our customers expect. Moreover, the top two finalists with the highest Stableford points during the national final will qualify for the MercedesTrophy World Finals to be held in Stuttgart, Germany,” she continues. “As an added incentive, the first player to achieve a hole-in-one on either of the two designated par-3 holes at each venue will walk away with an EQE 350+ 4MATIC by Mercedes-EQ.”
History has long attributed the quote about how “life must be lived as play” to none other than the great ancient Greek philosopher Plato. In modern times and as mere men, who are we to argue?
AT A GLANCE
The MercedesTrophy 2023 tournament schedule and overview
Qualifying rounds
1. May 11 Forest City Resort, Johor
2. May 29 KLGCC
3. May 30 KLGCC
4. May 31 KLGCC
National final June 27, The Els Club, Desaru Coast
Customer’s Category – Men:
Category A – Handicap 0-12
Category B – Handicap 13-20
Category C – Handicap 21-24
Customer’s Category – Women:
Category D – Handicap 0-36
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The winners of each round will meet for the national final on June 27. The two finishing finalists with the highest Stableford points in the national final will qualify for the MercedesTrophy World Final taking place from Oct 3–7, in Stuttgart, Germany — the birthplace of the automobile and Mercedes-Benz. In an effort to encourage the perfect drive, the first player to achieve a hole-in-one on either of the two designated par-3 holes at each venue will win the EQE 350+ 4MATIC, worth RM419,888. Price is on the road without insurance.
In addition, the “Drive to the Major” is a unique competition exclusive to Mercedes-Benz and offered worldwide to participants. The finalist who achieves the straightest drive or is nearest to the line is declared the winner of the “Drive to the Major” competition at the MercedesTrophy national final Malaysia. The winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime experience with an all-expenses-paid trip to The 151st Open, taking place from July 20-23 at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Merseyside, England. Other prizes include exclusive Mercedes-Benz merchandise and other novelty prizes from the marketing partners for MercedesTrophy, namely Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Crest Link, EPOS, The Edge, Taylormade, Desaru Coast Johor, The Els Club Desaru, Coast, Carlsberg and Precise Rehab.
THE VENUES
Forest City Golf Resort, Johor
Even if you aren’t eligible to participate in the MercedesTrophy, Forest City Golf Resort’s 36 holes definitely warrant serious tee-off time. Located in the heart of Iskandar Johor and just 5km from the Singapore Second Link, it offers golfers a choice of the Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course or the LGK Classic Course. The former stretches 7,386 yards from the black markers and meanders through mangrove swamps bordering the Pulai River while the latter measures 7,138 yards and takes its name from the world-renowned senior golf course designer, Liang Guokun.
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Comprising the West and East Courses, both 18-hole championship courses and Par 72 and Par 71 respectively, KLGCC is undoubtedly one of the Klang Valley’s toniest golfing venues. Located in the Bukit Kiara neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur, the 32-year-old club has been the site of several world-class events, including the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and the Malaysian Open.
The Els Club, Desaru Coast
Located amid the spectacular Desaru Coast development in Malaysia’s beautiful south, The Els Club takes its name from golf champion Ernie Els, obviously. To add to its star-studded wattage, its Valley Course was designed by three-time major champion Vijay Singh while the stunning Ocean Course was designed by the club’s namesake, himself a four-time major winner. Come and play for the day, but insiders know better and make a proper holiday of it by staying on for a few nights at either the delightful Anantara or One&Only hotels, both just minutes away.
Secure your spot in the competition here. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. For further enquiries, kindly contact Mercedes-Benz’s Customer Care toll-free line: 1-800-88-9880.
This article first appeared on Apr 24, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
