JOHOR BAHRU: A strong sense of community spirit and a shared love for golf brought 98 players and generous donors together at the 2025 edition of the Ponderosa-YnD Charity Golf ‘PING FOR HOPE’, held on Saturday, 21 June at the Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort.

The annual charity tournament successfully raised RM160,000 for the Rotary Club of Kulai Haemodialysis Centre, helping ease the financial burden of the centre’s life-saving treatments.

Jointly organised by the Young and Dangerous Golf Group (YnD) and Ponderosa Golf, the “Ping for Hope” event continues its tradition of giving back to society, marking yet another year of impactful fundraising.

“This is our yearly crusade for members of the community who need financial help, and we’re thrilled to have broken our previous records once again,” said Joseph Cheng, this year’s Organising Chairperson.

“We come together not just out of our love for golf, but because we believe that we can make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.

Cheng emphasised that the efforts of the organising committee went beyond logistics and coordination.

“What made this year even more special is that our children joined in the fundraising efforts. It’s a way of teaching them early the importance of charity and caring for those less fortunate,” he stressed.

The one-day event saw players of various backgrounds teeing off in friendly competition, while also contributing to a meaningful cause. Corporate sponsors and individual donors rallied behind the event, sponsoring prizes and making generous cash donations.

Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort, which has co-organised the event with YnD for the past five years, once again played a pivotal role in ensuring its success.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ponderosa for their unwavering support over the years,” Cheng said.

The Kulai Kidney Dialysis Centre currently operates with a monthly deficit of RM60,000 to RM70,000. Much of this stems from administrative costs. Despite the rising cost of operations, the Centre has never increased its charges to patients. Every ringgit raised today helps offset the financial strain and ensures that patients continue receiving affordable care.

The culmination of the event came during the Prize Presentation Dinner, where a cheque was presented to Teoh Siow Kee, President of the Rotary Club of Kulai Foundation.

“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Kulai, I want to express our deepest appreciation to the Young & Dangerous Golf Group and everyone who contributed to this noble cause,” said Teoh.

Not mincing his words, he said, “Your support directly translates into life-saving dialysis treatments for our patients. These are people who depend on regular treatment to survive, and your generosity is nothing short of vital.”

Also present at the ceremony was Lau Ah Soo, Chairman of the Kulai Haemodialysis Centre, who personally thanked donors and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to continue offering subsidised care.

Since its inception in 2016, the Young and Dangerous Golf Group has grown into a dynamic collective of like-minded young golfers with a shared passion for philanthropy. Over the years, their annual “Ping for Hope” event has channelled funds to causes ranging from education and cancer support to dialysis treatment and other critical community needs across Johor.

“Our group was formed not just to play golf, but to bring about real change,” said Cheng. “We chose the name ‘Ping for Hope’ to reflect our mission — each swing of the club sends a message of hope to someone in need.”

Beyond fundraising, the event also served as a platform for strengthening community ties. Participants were seen enjoying the camaraderie, competitive spirit, and collective purpose that have come to define “Ping for Hope.”

Cheng concluded with a hopeful message: “The success of this event shows what’s possible when people come together for a good cause. We look forward to next year and hope to inspire more golfers, companies, and individuals to join us. Let’s continue swinging for hope.”

With the funds raised this year, the Rotary Club of Kulai’s Haemodialysis Centre will be better equipped to meet the ongoing healthcare demands of its patients, reaffirming how community-driven events like this can deliver tangible, life-changing outcomes.