Players all set for their moment on the green at the 2026 MercedesTrophy National Final Malaysia (All photos: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia)
On pristine manicured fairways, bright polo shirts stand out against dew-kissed turf. A hush lingers until the faint rustle of grass signals a calculated swing. In golf, excellence is defined by precision. To this degree, it is perhaps no surprise that Mercedes-Benz, a marque built on engineering exactitude, has long found a home in this game. Both uphold discipline, patience and an unwavering pursuit of refinement — qualities that took centre stage as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia concluded the local edition of the 2026 MercedesTrophy.
“This year’s MercedesTrophy has once again demonstrated the power of sport to bring people together through a shared passion for excellence, integrity and meaningful connections,” said Elaine Hew, general manager for marketing communications at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
The tournament, which has been ongoing since 1991, is open to Mercedes-Benz owners and customers. Every year, more than 60,000 participants from over 60 countries compete in events staged across the globe. Winners will earn a spot to compete at the MercedesTrophy World Final, unfolding in the birthplace of the luxury automobile itself — Stuttgart, Germany.
Months of competition finally culminated on June 22, when some of the nation’s strongest amateur golfers gathered at the Els Club Desaru Coast in Johor. Prior to this, four qualifying rounds were played at two premier courses in Selangor — Tropicana Golf & Country Club and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club. Scored using the Stableford system, competitors were split into four divisions. These were Category A (handicaps 0 to 12), Category B (handicaps 13 to 20), Category C (handicaps 21 to 24) and Category D (women with handicaps 0 to 36). After the preliminary stages, only 20 finalists remained. The top three scorers in each group would not only earn national honours, but also a coveted place on the world stage.
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Emerging victorious were Ng Jun Lip (Category A), Mohd Azli Jamal (Category B) and Liew Kim Seng (Category C). “Winning my category is a massive honour and a memory I’ll keep for a long time,” Mohd Azli stated.
The buzz of triumph was quickly replaced by excitement as the trio are gearing up for the next challenge. Ng exclaimed, “For me, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am honoured to be able to represent Malaysia at the World Final in Germany.”
Taking place from Sept 28 to Oct 2, finalists will play on the elite grounds of Der Öschberghof resort. Enveloped by the rolling hills of the Baar landscape, the surrounding region allows guests to enjoy a natural, scenic vantage point bridging the Black Forest, Lake Constance and the Swiss border mountains. This alone cements the championship as one of amateur golf’s most exclusive experiences.
A ticket to Deutschland was not the only reward on the table. Tempting players throughout the day was the designated Hole-in-One prize: a Mercedes-Benz E 350 e. The hybrid automobile blends seamless performance and luxury, equipped to achieve a fully electric drive of up to 118km (WLTP) — an impressive range that increases efficiency of daily commutes without consuming petrol. The car is spacious, with plenty of space for two golf bags, perfect for a day out on the course. Although the luxury sedan ultimately remained unclaimed, it served as a reminder that MercedesTrophy has always been about rewarding moments of brilliance.
One golfer, however, did secure an extraordinary reward. Datuk Shaifuddin Abdul Manan secured the Drive to the Major title, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to The Open Championship 2026. The prestigious tourney was held from July 15 to 20 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Historically, it helped establish the sport worldwide and stands out mostly due to the challenge brought on by unpredictable environmental factors.
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Instead of the usual lush parkland, participants will play on rugged links courses. The coastal terrain is shaped directly by nature — sand dunes, deep pot bunkers, thorny gorse and undulating fairways — alongside the added unpredictability of shifting winds and weather. To overcome this, players must rely on critical thinking and creativity rather than just raw power. The championship is widely regarded as an ultimate milestone in the sport, and is practically the pinnacle of achievement for most (if not all) professional and aspiring golfers alike.
Mercedes-Benz has forged a longstanding relationship with golf’s oldest major, acting as Patron of The Open since 2011. This year’s happenings coincide with yet another milestone for the manufacturer. Celebrating its 140th anniversary, the brand initiated “140 Years. 140 Places”, an expedition spanning six continents that will run until October. Three new S-Class saloons will travel to 140 destinations, showcasing a legacy of innovation while inviting customers and enthusiasts to join in on the adventure.
MercedesTrophy has never simply been about keeping score. The journey is just as significant, with sportsmanship and friendship being a key factor of this amateur golf tournament series. Previous winners have cited a strong feeling of camaraderie cultivated from competitions on both home ground and abroad. “I’ve really enjoyed being part of this year’s MercedesTrophy and meeting so many fellow golfers along the way, I’m looking forward to what awaits at the World Final,” expressed Liew.
As another edition comes to a close yet again, this tournament is a testament to the automaker’s innovation and passion that will continue to develop as it always has, for many years to come.
This article first appeared on July 13, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
