BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei ― The Royal Trophy lived up to its name as several members of Brunei’s ruling family, headed by Prince Yam Pengiran Muda Abdul Hakeem, played a high-profile role, promoting tourney venue The Empire Hotel and Country Club and, by extension, Brunei as a top-tier golfing destination.

The royal connection purveyed through the entirety of the event, including the trophy itself ― a statuesque 16-kilogram solid-silver cup donated by the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, six years ago.

Prince Hakeem played in the Pro-Am game before tournament play began but on the same course, and he even impressed his pro-playing partner Nicolas Colsaerts. 

Their group was rounded off with another royal, Prince Hakeem’s cousin, Pengiran Anak Mohammad and another of his relatives, Amir Osman.

“Prince Hakeem played very well, and made some important putts to keep our birdie run going. And his cousin can certainly move the ball out there. Amir also made an important contribution. You cannot go as low as we did unless the whole team pulls together, and we had a lot of fun out there,” Colsaerts said of his regal playing partners.

Another royal came out for the tournament. Princess Shaikha Hend Faisal Khaled Al-Qassemi, a member of the Ruling Family of Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates, visited in her capacity as editor-in-chief of Middle East fashion magazine Velvet, adding glamour and elegance to the international sporting event.

As this year tournament wound down on Sunday ― the Royal Trophy’s sixth edition since it debuted in 2006 ― speculation emerged on where next year’s venue will be.

Such countries as Korea and Japan are unlikely contenders because wherever it takes place next year, the venue should also host warm December climates.

The location should also sport resort facilities with showcase golf courses and where golf tourism is fast developing, said Spencer Robinson of Singapore-based Asia Pacific Golf Group.

The South China region has the facilities and is in need of the international exposure that the Royal Trophy offers. One such place might be one of the hot golf spots on Hainen Island, he said.

One cannot see it from a balcony at The Empire but, from Brunei, Hainan Island is just across the South China Sea.

By Philip Iglauer, Korea Herald correspondent 
(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)