Singapore: With an eye on the future, the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) has introduced fresh blood to its national squads.

Victoria Yeong and Reyes Halim (Junior Development Squad) and Samuel Tan (Junior National Squad) are among 13 new names added to the SGA national squads. Their selection is based on performances in a one-year cycle, squad trials and Order of Merit rankings.

Joining Yeong and Halim in the Junior Development Squad are Ashley Wee, Chloe Yap, Elina Veejay, Cayden Leong, Cayden Tay, Kieran Tan, Vinh Ahn Phan and Atlas Lin.

Meanwhile, Norman Hakim and Keeshuan Tan are both named in the 10-strong Development Squad.

National coach Murray Smit said: “We are constantly scouting to find the most promising golf talents to represent Singapore at elite level competitions, either locally or abroad.

“These latest additions to the list of players we announced in February will be provided regular training, and high-performance tactical and technical support so that they can excel at the highest level.”

Yeong showed signs of her potential when carding a personal best of two-under-par 70 during the third round of the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) Championship. She eventually finished second behind fellow Development Squad Member Jaymie Ng.

Yeong, aged 15, said: “Being selected to join the national squad programme is a tremendous honour and a significant milestone for me. This selection not only serves as a validation of the time, hard work and dedication my family and I have invested since I first started golfing at eight years old, but also represents an exciting opportunity to compete at the highest level and represent my country on the international stage.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the SGA, eager to learn from my team-mates and coaches, and cannot wait to contribute to the continued success of our squad.”

While 18-year-old Tan finished second behind Troy Storm in the trials to secure his spot in the Junior National Squad, Reyes clinched top position in the Junior Development Squad Order of Merit to earn his way into the programme after posting three top-10 finishes in World Amateur Golf Ranking events since July 2023.

“It means a lot to get the chance to represent Singapore in the sport I love. ⁠⁠I hope to lower my scoring average by two to three strokes, and hopefully compete in many tournaments for Singapore on the international level,” said Tan.

Reyes shared Tan’s sentiments. The 14-year-old said: “I have a chance to represent Singapore and compete in as many international tournaments as possible now. My goal is to be among the top-three golfers in the Under-18 category.”

*The Singapore Golf Association is an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.