Clean sweep for Malaysian golfers at TPC Kuala Lumpur
It was a belated birthday celebration for Natasha Andrea Oon today, as the teenageroutshone all of her compatriots to win the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia National Qualifying Tournament at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
The youngster, who celebrated her sixteenth birthday ten days ago, shot a second consecutive 1-under par 70 on the East Course of TPC Kuala Lumpur to win the Open category of the National Qualifying Tournament. Six birdies and five bogeys were enoughto leave her one shot clear of second placed Renuka Suksukont of Thailand.
But it was to be Oon’s day and there is no denying the class of the player, who could technicallyhave qualified through both the Malaysian National and Junior Amateur categories.
Said Oon:“I felt my performance was similar to yesterday’s – a lot of back and forth. I had a lot of birdies but made a lot of mistakes. In the end, I was having fun. I played with Winnie who’s also my really good friend so we were having fun together on the course.”
“I feel that I’ve improved a lot since last year. Last year I wasn’t really happy with my performance in the qualifying. So, this year, I thought I can try and get a spot for a Malaysian but getting the regional open spot is really a big thing for me. I’m really impressed with myself and I’m really glad I played well.”
On what she can improve on, she said: “I think I can improve on my driving and probably my long iron shots. My putting was really good.”
Overnight leader Aretha Pan was unable to match her first round 4-under par score but still topped the Malaysian National category with an aggregate par score of 142.
Said Pan:“I didn’t start off the round well. I was playing rather conservatively but I tried to come back, and stay more focused on my shots. I’m happy to get in but am not very happy with how I played today.” On what she can improve on when she plays at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, she added: “My caddie says I should learn Muay Thai so I’ll have more confidence so I can go for it and not be scared”, she added.
Behind her, and securing the three additional places reserved for Malaysian Nationals were Michelle Koh and Winnie Ng (tied on 144) and Nur Durriyah Damian (148).
In the Junior Amateur Category, the two berths were taken by Liyana Durisic and Zulaikah Nasser, who both benefited from Oon and Ng’s elevation to the Open and Malaysian Nationalcategories respectively.
Steven Thielke, CEO of TPC Kuala Lumpur and Chairman of the Tournament Committee, said: “We have witnessed some stellar performances over the last two days on the East Course and extend our congratulations to all seven players who qualify on merit for next month’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. Special mention must go to Natasha Oon on an outstanding result, winning the Open category. She has a fantastic future ahead of her and we look forward to seeing her compete alongside her six compatriots against the very best players in the world at next month’s tournament. The 8th edition of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia is coming together very well and we look forward to what promises to be a fantastic four days here at TPC Kuala Lumpur.”
Played over 36 holes of stroke play, the Sime Darby LPGA National Qualifying Tournament is an integral part of the US$ 1.8 million purse Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, providing a pathway for Malaysian Nationals to compete on an international stage amongst the very best players in the world. The Sime Darby LPGA returns to TPC Kuala Lumpur from 26 – 29 October 2017.
To see why the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia really is Malaysia’s most fun golf event, visit the tournament website at www.simedarbylpgamalaysia.com and follow us at www.facebook.com/SimeDarbyLPGAMalaysia, or via Twitter and Instagram using @SimeDarbyLPGA, #SimeDarbyLPGA, #WomenWithDrive #TPCKL
