Malaysia look for high-five performance from home challengers

KUALA LUMPUR: A new chapter for Malaysian women’s golf is set to tee off at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) this week, as five homegrown challengers take on the world’s best at the Maybank Championship.

The five are Kelly Tan, Mirabel Ting, Liyana Durisic, Ashley Lau and Genevieve Ling.

Two-time Olympian Kelly carries the calm confidence of a veteran as she steps onto the course as a professional, having made her debut at the Evian Championship back in July.

Mirabel stood out in last year’s edition of the Maybank Championship, finishing joint 12th with a statement made as an amateur in a field of top professionals.

Liyana is entering the championship on a wave of confidence following her recent victory at The Ladies Tournament at the Mines Resort and Golf Club two weeks ago.

However, she is aware of the need to manage expectations and maintain her composure.

“Last year I was trying too hard, doing too much, putting too much pressure on myself, and I think this week I should be able to handle myself much better,” said Liyana, who ended last year’s competition in 74th place, hitting a four-day total of 305.

“Last week, I was mentally steadier, and I want to bring that into this week as well.”

US-based golfer Ashley echoed that same emphasis on the mental game, stressing the importance of trusting years of preparation rather than cramming ahead of a major home event.

Ashley highlighted the risks of over-preparation and said that when a big week comes, golfers tend to try to do too much.

“Then, we get burnt out really quickly. So, the key for me this week is not doing too much and just being myself,” said Ashley, who ended last year’s campaign, joint 22nd, shooting 278.

For Genevieve, an ambassador for KLGCC who regularly trains at the club, familiarity with the course will provide a sense of ease.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had bad thoughts about the course. I know what I can do with the conditions, so it’s about controlling myself because I know how well you can actually go out there with the great conditions,” she said.

The US$3 million (RM12.6 million) Maybank Championship will see 78 of the world’s top-ranked players competing over 72-holes in a no-cut event.

China‘s Yin Rouning will look to defend her title but she faces strong competition from Thailand’s world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, France’s Celine Boutier and New Zealand’s world No. 4 Lydia Ko.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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