Singapore: History-making Malaysian amateur Ng Jing Xuen is aiming to stamp her mark when she competes against the China LPGA (CLPGA) Tour stars for the first time at next week’s Singapore Ladies Masters.

The US$100,000 event, to be held at Singapore’s Laguna National Golf Resort Club from June 14-16, is in its second edition and is the only tournament on China’s premier women’s golf circuit that is held outside of China in their 2024 season.

Ng, who made history by becoming the first female Malaysian golfer to win a Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medal in Cambodia last year, is excited to participate in another international professional tournament.

The invitation from tournament organisers LLD Sports comes at an ideal time, as the 16-year-old recently secured her first professional title on Malaysia’s domestic Toyota Tour.

Being one of the region’s rising talents has already earned her coveted starts in several prestigious events, including the LPGA Tour and the Korean LPGA Tour.

Ng, tied 26th at this year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific and currently 190th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, said: “I’m looking forward to the CLPGA professional event and hope to perform well while learning from all the pros. I thank Lyn Yeo (LLD founder) for giving me this precious opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament.”

With her Toyota Tour triumph fuelling her determination to make an impression in Singapore, Ng is brimming with confidence.

“I’ve been hoping to play in more professional events because they offer a different experience and environment than what I used to get through amateur tournaments.

“I believe a strong performance will lead to more pro invites, but I prefer to focus on my game and routine, taking it one shot at a time and maintaining positive self-talk. This approach helps me perform better.

“My goal for the Singapore Ladies Masters is to concentrate on my game rather than focusing on the scores,“ said Ng, who will be staying with her Singaporean cousins throughout the week.

Ng will not be the only Malaysian in action at Laguna National where she’ll be joined by fellow amateur Winnie Ng and professional duo Geraldine Wong and Jocelyn Chee, both winners on the local circuit.

The tournament will feature leading CLPGA Tour stars Ji Yuai, Sui Xiang, Shi Yuli, Lin Qianhui, and Lin Yezhou competing against international players such as Thailand’s Kan Bunnabodee and Pattraporn Sripatrprasite, Japan’s Julia Kurata, Korean Jung Hyun-woo, and Singaporeans Athena Ni and 13-year-old Sydnie Ng.

*Laguna National Golf Resort Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.