Malaysia’s promising amateur Winnie Ng will be aiming to secure playing rights on the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA) with a good performance at next month’s EFG-CLPGQ series.
Held at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club from September 16-17, the two-day event offers a qualifying pathway to the flagship CLPG Tour where former world No.1 and major winner Yin Ruoning, won her first three tournaments as a professional at CLPGA Tour events.
Ng has enjoyed a distinguished amateur career, highlighted by back-to-back domestic amateur victories in July, a second-place finish at the Vietnam Ladies Amateur Open, and a tied-16th result at the Singapore Ladies Masters in June.
The 23-year-old, who recently returned to Malaysia after competing on the American collegiate circuit for five years - first as a member of the University of Washington Huskies women’s golf team (2019-2023), then as a graduate student with the University of Missouri Tigers, is now setting her sights on joining the paid ranks.
“I’m gradually transitioning from amateur into professional golf. I’m planning to play a couple of qualifying events and this (EFG-CLPGQ series) lined up with my schedule. It’s part of my plan to play the CLPGA next year.
“I’ve been playing a lot and working with my coaches to analyse and make improvements in my game. I’m happy with how my game is trending and looking to keep the momentum going,” said Ng.
Ng believes there is also added motivation for her to do well at the EFG-CLPGQ series as the winner will also gain an automatic spot in the 2025 Singapore Ladies Masters.
“I’m very grateful to EFG for allowing me to play as sponsor’s invite at this year’s Singapore Ladies Masters. Without them, I would not be able to have the chance and exposure to play in the event which is certainly a very prestigious one. I was indeed amazed by the organisation and operation of the event. It was very professional and successful.
“I’m delighted with the way I finished as it was my second event since I got back from the States. And excited if I get a chance to play again next year as it’s close to home with the equal opportunity to compete at a high level. It’s a valuable experience getting to play such a beautiful championship course,” said Ng.
Open to female professionals, female amateurs, and male amateurs aged 16 years and above, the EFG-CLPGQ series will also allow players under 16 years old to compete under exemption status.
It offers a SGD10,000 prize money to the top 10 players and ties, including amateurs. They will also have the opportunity to earn valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. With live streaming available via the CLPGQ Series app, US college coaches can track players' performances, opening doors for potential recruitment opportunities.
The 54-hole tournament will accommodate a field of up to 72 players, with a maximum of 18 participants from Mainland China. Participants will have to play a gruelling 36-hole golf marathon on the first day, with only the top 50 players and ties advancing to the third and final round.
