Malaysian Amateur Mirabel Ting Makes Impressive Debut at 2024 Maybank Championship
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (BERNAMA) — Malaysian amateur Mirabel Ting started the 2024 Maybank Championship on a strong footing, hitting six birdies on the opening round to finish tied 11 with a score of five under 67 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), Bukit Kiara here today.
Despite being the only amateur in the US$3 million (about RM13.05 million) event, the 18-year-old made an impressive debut with four birdies in the front nine (hole 1, 3, 4, 5), as well as a bogey in the par five 10th.
Strong Desire to Learn and Experience
"Shooting five under on this challenging golf course is something that I would have never thought, that too in front of a big crowd. I wasn’t really comfortable on the back nine actually, and that’s why I had to do two times of practice from the back nine," said Mirabel after completing the round.
"I was really comfortable starting on first (hole) and I just kept telling myself, stay patient. Putts did not really drop after 10 and I was a little impatient I would say. I am here to learn this week and I am here to just experience what it’s like to be on the LPGA Tour," she added.
Mao Saigo of Japan Takes Lead
Meanwhile, world number 35, Mao Saigo of Japan took the first round lead after blazing the course with a nine under 63 score for a one stroke advantage against Ryu Hae Ran of South Korea (8 under 64).
Saigo, a rookie in the LPGA Tour, had a superb start by carding 10 birdies (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, and 16th) but haunted by bogey in the par four 17th, while Hae Ran was flawless with birdies in third, fourth, seventh, 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th, and 18th.
Other Malaysian Players’ Performance
Other Malaysian players failed to follow Mirabel’s feat, including second-timer Ashley Lau, who was tied 66th with Ireland’s Leona Maguire, and South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Jenny Shin, carding a one over 73. Ashley, 24, who currently plays on the Epson Tour (the official developmental tour for the LPGA), couldn’t bounce back from bogeys in the eighth, ninth, 12th, and 15th, though had birdies in the fourth, seventh, and 11th.
Conclusion
Mirabel’s impressive debut is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. As a Malaysian amateur, she is an inspiration to many young golfers in the country. With her passion and determination, she is likely to make a name for herself in the world of golf.
FAQs
Q: What is the score of Mirabel Ting in the 2024 Maybank Championship?
A: Mirabel Ting scored a five under 67 in the opening round, finishing tied 11 with other players.
Q: Who is the current world number 35 in the LPGA Tour?
A: Mao Saigo of Japan is the current world number 35 in the LPGA Tour.
Q: How many birdies did Mirabel Ting card in the front nine?
A: Mirabel Ting carded four birdies in the front nine (hole 1, 3, 4, 5).