BENNY Kam has etched his name into history by clinching the Penang Turf Club (Golf Section) Club Championship for a record 14th time, an unmatched feat since the tournament’s inception in 1969.

His extraordinary achievement stands tall against the records of his closest challengers: the late K. Bathumalai, who secured seven titles, and former Putra Cupper Saad Yusof, who claimed six.

With the curtain set to fall on the Penang Turf Club after more than 160 years, golf will cease to be played at the historic course starting this Saturday. Benny’s legacy, therefore, will stand as a permanent mark in the club’s history.

Founded in 1864, the Penang Turf Club (PTC) will hold its final horse race at the Batu Gantong course on May 31 (Saturday). The club, which has 508 ordinary members, voted to sell the 81-hectare site, one of the few remaining green lungs in Penang.

“I’m proud of my achievements, but at the same time, I’m saddened by the closure of the Penang Turf Club Golf Section, especially for its 470 members who now have to surrender their memberships. Many of us have cherished memories here,” Benny, 57, told Buletin Mutiara.

He recalled one of his most memorable moments in 2007. “I was going for my eighth title to break Bathumalai’s record. He himself gave me his blessings and some encouraging words. I went on to win and surpass his record. It meant a lot to me.”

Benny, who will be presented with the 2025 PTCGS Club Trophy tomorrow night, won the championship in 1994, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005–2009, 2011, and 2023–2025. Bathumalai was champion in 1972–73, 1974, 1978–79, and 1985–86, while Saad took the title in 1969–71, 1975, 1981, and 1984.

Having picked up the sport at the age of 13, Benny credited his father, Kam Kok Eng, for nurturing his passion for golf.

“My father often sent me to the club after school. He wanted me to do my homework at the clubhouse, away from bad company. At the time, Tanjong Bunga, where we lived, was known for its gang activity.”

Benny said that while his father laid the foundation, it was the club’s senior caddies who helped transform his game.

“I worked at the pro shop as an intern and learned a lot from the caddies, who had deep knowledge of the local course. At one point, I even considered turning professional, but ultimately chose not to.”

Reflecting on the game’s deeper lessons, Benny said, “Golf teaches you about character. It shows whether you’re a gentleman or a sore loser, both to yourself and your competitors.

“A golfer spends long hours under the sun, rain, or harsh conditions. Just like life, golf demands adaptability. It also reveals integrity or the lack of it.”

Story by K.H. Ong

Pix by K.H. Ong and courtesy of Benny Kam