Annika Award winner Mirabel turns pro at 19

New Straits Times

03-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: In a surprise move, golfer Mirabel Ting has announced she is turning professional at 19 and will make her debut in grand fashion at next week's Amundi Evian Championship — one of the five women's golf majors — in France.
The Miri-born star caught many off guard with the timing of her decision, as she still has one year left before graduating from Florida State University (FSU).
In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Mirabel wrote: "Thank you amateur golf. I can't wait for the next chapter. I'm super excited to announce that I will be making my first professional debut at the Amundi Evian Championship."
If anything, Mirabel must have thought her decision through carefully and believes she is now ready to take on the big leagues.
There's enough evidence to suggest she belongs.
Mirabel recently wrapped up the 2024-2025 US collegiate season as the No. 1 player, winning the prestigious 2025 Annika Award — becoming the first Asian to do so.
The accolade also earned her a coveted spot in the US$8 million (RM33.74 million) showpiece at Evian Resort Golf Club.
In nine starts for the Seminoles last season, Mirabel won five times and only finished outside the top three once.
She posted a remarkable scoring average of 67.1 — the best in the country.
She has also proven, on more than one occasion, that she can hold her own against the professionals.
Last October, she impressed at the Maybank Championship — Malaysia's LPGA Tour stop — where she finished tied-12th against a world-class field.
She also won the Fortuner Cup on the Toyota Tour, further underlining her ability to compete beyond the amateur circuit.
Her decision means that the recent TSM Golf Challenge, held two weeks ago, now stands as her final amateur appearance.
Fittingly, she signed off in style by successfully defending her title at the prestigious event.
It was during that time she told the media of her intention to complete her senior year, but in a heartfelt message posted on Thursday, she revealed a change of heart, declaring: "After years of dedication and heart, I'm proud to announce that I'm turning professional and chasing my dream of playing on the LPGA Tour."
The former world No. 2 amateur can expect sponsor exemptions into professional tournaments as she gears up for the LPGA Tour Qualifying School in pursuit of full playing rights for next season.
According to Golfweek, Mirabel has signed with Fidelity Sports Group for representation and will be managed by FSG's CEO David Moorman and president Drew Carr.
FSU coach Amy Bond is confident her star pupil is ready for the next stage.
"It's our job as coaches to get them ready for the next level, and they're ready," said Bond.
Her decision to turn professional also means she will no longer be eligible to represent Malaysia at the Thailand Sea Games in December, dealing a major blow to the national team's hopes of retaining the women's individual gold medal won by Ng Jing Xuen in Cambodia last year.