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 this month’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 the Toyota Tour, a domestic circuit in Malaysia. 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 am really 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. “My cousins are Singaporean and I will be staying at their house while playing the event. I can’t wait to spend time with them again.” Brimming with confidence following her maiden professional victory is fuelling Ng’s determination to make an impression in Singapore. She said: “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.”

Ng will not be the only Malaysian in action at Laguna National where she’ll be joined by fellow amateur Winnie Ng along with professional duo Geraldine Wong and Jocelyn Chee, both winners on the local tour. 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 Singapore’s Athena Ni. The top 60 professional players, including ties, from the opening two rounds will progress to the final round of the Singapore Ladies Masters.