The stage for the second edition of the Maybank Championship is set, and the homegrown Malaysian lineup is gearing up to compete with the world's top women professionals.
A squad of four Malaysian players, including Paris 2024 Olympian Ashley Lau, ASEAN Qualifiers Liyana Durisc, and Durriyah Damian, and top-ranked amateur Mirabel Ting will tee it up at the renowned West Course of Kuala Lumpur & Country Club.
A number of 2024 winners of the LPGA tour will be joining them in the field this week, including last week's champion Hannah Green, China sensation Ruoning Yin, Japan's Ayaka Furue, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, and defending champion Celine Boutier of France.
Leading the local charge for the 72-hole, no-cut event is the Olympian Ashley Lau. Riding off the momentum of her recent runner-up finish, Lau will focus on carrying forward her current form into the week.
"I think from the Epson Tour Championship I was hitting my driver good. I only missed one fairway the whole week," said the 24-year-old.
"That's a good stat to bring into this week because the fairways are tight on the West. And make a couple of putts. I think that's always a nice little thing to have," said Lau who out of four local players is the only one playing the event for the second time.
Meanwhile with two wins so far in her fall collegiate season, Florida State University Junior Mirabel Ting is excited to be making her LPGA debut on home soil.
“This is my first LPGA event and probably the biggest one in my entire golfing career,” said Ting.
Ting then added, “It’s something that it’s at home as well and I’m able to play in front of my friends and family, which is going to mean a lot. Especially my grandfather is coming back up from Miri to come and watch me play this week. So that’s sweet."
Rookie professional and ASEAN Qualifier Liyana Durisic is eagerly looking to soak in the experience she will gain this week.
"I think this event is going to be a really good start for my professional career," said the Iowa State University graduate.
"It's an honour to be playing with people who have done this for so long. To me, it's important to learn a thing or two out there and just soak it all in for the week."
Rounding up the Malaysian challenge is the fifth ASEAN Qualifier and domestic Toyota Tour professional Durriyah Damian.
Returning from a break in her professional career, Durriyah shared how significant this experience will be for her.
"This will be my biggest event since returning to the professional scene and I've been preparing a lot for weeks so hopefully I can end the week on a good note with lots of memories," said Durriyah.
Be sure to catch all the excitement and support the local stars during the Maybank Championship this weekend, taking place from October 24 to 27.
Complimentary entries are available for children under 12, as well as Maybank Cardholders (Debit, Credit & Charge Cards) and MAE App users.
For more information and ticket bookings, visit http://www.maybank.com/championship
