KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting’s newfound composure saw the young Malaysian make a strong start at the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club today.
The 20-year-old, who recently advanced to the final stage of the LPGA Q School, admitted that the transition to professional golf has been bumpy.
But today, she looked every bit the confident player who had once dominated the amateur circuit, firing a superb five-under-67 to finish tied 11th.
“I had a really good start. I told myself to stay patient. If the putt does drop, it will. And if it doesn’t, just keep calm and carry on,” said Mirabel who was Malaysia’s best finisher last year at joint 12th.
Mirabel admitted that she struggled shortly after turning professional, but later found renewed belief. That composure paid off as she made a bogey-free back nine after dropping a shot in the sixth.
“I made a lot of mistakes in the past, when I started bogeying, I’d get really nervous and think to myself — here comes the bogey-train.
“But once I bogey, I knew that I had to let it go, which I did today. I just had a couple of birdies (six) coming back in, and that’s how I played golf today.”
Malaysian Liyana Durisic emerged as the second-best local on the field, carding a four-under-68.
Compatriot Genevieve Ling also made a solid start, shooting a 69.
“I controlled my emotions pretty well out there. I rode on the crowd. There were a lot of people out, and I wanted to give them something to watch,” said Genevieve.
Malaysia’s Ashley Lau also impressed, making the most of a nervy start while playing alongside two world-class opponents on her flight, Choi Hye Jin and Gaby Lopez. She managed to settle into her rhythm, ending the day with a single bogey and a decisive birdie at the last 18th hole.
Veteran Kelly Tan, who also went three-under, was pleased to perform for the home crowd.
“It’s always nice to play in Malaysia and give the fans something to cheer for. I hit a lot of fairways and greens, gave myself a lot of birdie looks, and made a few, so I’m happy with how I executed.”
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