LOCAL professional golfer Yusri Ahmad Sha-harom has been appointed Langkawi Geopark ambassador. 

Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) will sponsor Yusri's participation in golf championships to promote the island.  

Unesco had on June 1 declared the 99- island archipelago as the 52nd world Geopark. 

Lada general manager Datuk Kamarulzaman Abdul Ghani said the sponsorship deal included purchasing golfing equipment and paying participation fees for 13 upcoming international and national championships. 

"We signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to sponsor Yusri for a year. In return, Yusri, who is from Langkawi, will be our Geopark ambassador for a year," he said. 

Yusri, 38, who is ranked 33rd in Malaysia, hails from Kampung Makam Mahsuri, Langkawi. 

Lada is also sponsoring Langkawi Geopark sailboat team who will be participating in the Terengganu Monsoon Trophy. 

Kamarulzaman said Lada would continue its effort to promote Langkawi Geopark through popular sports events that draw international attention such as golf and sailboat. 

"It is one of the best ways to promote Langkawi further in the international arena," he said.