KUALA LUMPUR: Playing against some of the world’s best can be an unnerving and daunting experience and it’s no different for reigning SEA Games women’s golf gold medallist Ng Jing Xuen (pix).
But the 15-year-old hopes to stay calm as she goes up against a strong field of world-class women golfers in the 2023 Maybank Championship, which tees off at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) tomorrow.
More importantly, though, the Batu Pahat-born golfer wants to enjoy the experience and learn as much as possible from the professional players as she makes her Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour debut.
“I would say that for the next few days, the environment is going to be very different... because this is a very big event, the LPGA. But I’d like to treat it as just another event, like it’s the same, that’s my mindset and (that) will be my goal.
“I have seen a lot of pro golfers practising here and I have learned a lot from them. I would definitely love to have another chance to play in a big tournament like this,“ she told a press conference today.
With frequent downpours a norm, Jing Xuen emphasised that course management and decision-making are two pivotal aspects that one needs to focus on to fare well in the tournament, although it is a no-cut event.
“If you are wise enough and your irons and putting are well, I think you are going to do well on this course, even though it is raining outside again... so, it is going to be quite tough to play,” she said.
Meanwhile, 2022 LGPA Tour Rookie of the Year Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand believes it will be crucial to focus on the game and enjoy the moment rather than worrying about the results.
“I am trying to be in the present, trying to take it shot by shot on the course, and not put too much pressure on myself,“ she said.
The US$3 million (about RM14.34 million) 2023 Maybank Championship features 78 golfers, including 10 from Malaysia and Asean. -Bernama