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The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
From tiny swings to the majors
THE first time Miri-born Mirabel Ting swung a golf club, she could barely lift it. She was three, standing at the driving range with her father and older brother Malcom. The then-six-year-old Malcom was supposed to be practising. But Mirabel's curiosity got the better of her – she grabbed his club, planted her feet and took a swing. 'That was it,' said Mirabel, 19, smiling at the memory. 'My dad and grandpa inspired me. From then on, golf was my whole world.' Her father, Ting Hee Chai, didn't just encourage her – he made golf her life. Mirabel picking up golf at age three, inspired by her father and grandfather. Afternoons after school were spent at the range. Evenings meant more practice. Her grandfather, Ng Siaw Pheng, a devoted golfer himself, played nine holes almost every afternoon and brought her along. The goal was clear from the start: turn professional and, hopefully, make the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). By nine, Mirabel no longer saw golf as just a game. She was spending weekends and school holidays at the club from morning until dark, working on her short game and learning the mental discipline the sport demands. Mirabel gives her all in every championship she competes in. At 10, she left her hometown to join the Sime Darby LPGA development programme at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). A year later, she clinched the Sarawak Amateur Championship – the first sign the family's dream might come true. At 13, she moved to Brisbane, Australia, for high school and further training. Four years later, she took an even bigger leap – leaving Malaysia for the United States. Just two months into college, she faced heartbreak: her father died suddenly of illness. It was a crushing blow, but Mirabel didn't give up. Florida State University became her second home, and she rose again – making history by winning the Annika Award, the highest honour in NCAA women's golf. From there, the victories kept coming: TSM Golf Challenge (Malaysia, June 2023), Vietnam Ladies Amateur Championship (July 2023), Royal Selangor Ladies Amateur Championship (August 2023), 30th Ladies Negri Sembilan Amateur Open (August 2022), 21st Malaysia Games (July 2024), 74th Singapore Open Amateur Championship and the 2025 Briars Creek Collegiate Invitational in South Carolina. Mom Ng Mei Mei (left) and grandfather Ng Siaw Pheng (right) celebrating Mirabel's TSM championship victory. She became the first Malaysian golfer ranked number one in US Division One collegiate golf, the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Golfer of the Year, and the sixth Malaysian woman to turn professional. Three weeks into her pro career, she won the PGM Royal Pahang Championship on July 30, dedicating the win to her late grandfather. From a world amateur ranking of over 2,000, she has now climbed to number two. 'It feels surreal,' she said. 'I started so far back, and now I know I can be the best one day in professional golf.' She has kept promises along the way – to her coach Amy Bond and former Malaysian pro Michelle Koh – and continues to push herself. 'I've realised I need to work harder on my mental game if I want to win on the LPGA Tour,' she said. 'But I have the right people – my coach Kris Assawapimonporn and Michelle – in my corner.' Her motivation hasn't changed despite the stakes being higher. 'I play because I love the game and I want to enjoy what I do on and off the golf course,' she said. The past five years have tested her resilience far beyond the fairways. In 2020, she lost her grandmother but couldn't return home due to Covid-19 restrictions. In 2022, her father passed away during her college season. In July this year, she lost her grandfather on the eve of her debut at the Evian Championship – her first LPGA event. 'It was painful,' she admitted. 'Not being able to be there in those moments is something I carry with me. But Michelle has always been my pillar of strength, giving me hope and belief.' Her training blends precision and care – two to four hours of practice daily, three gym sessions a week and recovery work to stay tournament-ready. Mental discipline is key, and she maintains it through routines she trusts. Being Malaysian, she said, has shaped her journey in unexpected ways. 'I'm proud to wear my country's flag. 'I hope young girls see what I've achieved and believe they can do it too.' Her advice is simple: 'Never give up. Nothing is impossible – it's hard, but it's possible.' Her goals are crystal clear: secure a place on the LPGA Tour and, within five years, become the first Malaysian woman to win on it. Asked which tournament she most wants to win, her reply was instant: 'The Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur.' From a toddler swinging her brother's club to a rising star on the pro circuit, Mirabel Ting's story is defined by dedication, family and belief. She may have started with a swing too big for her small frame, but every shot since has been aimed at making history for Malaysian golf.
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mirabel retains TSM Golf Challenge crown
KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting reinforced her status as Malaysia's top amateur golfer by becoming the first player in over a decade to successfully defend the girls' title at the TSM Golf Challenge—matching a feat last accomplished by Kelly Tan in 2012. The 20-year-old Sarawakian, currently world No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), carded rounds of 70, 68 and 71 for a winning total of 209 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) as the 14th edition of the prestigious junior event concluded on Thursday. It was another dominant display by Mirabel, who finished a whopping 12 strokes ahead of nearest challenger Wang Xin Yao (221). A three-way tie for third followed, with Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani, Foong Zi Yu, and Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil all ending at 222. Former LPGA star and two-time Olympian Kelly had won three consecutive titles from 2010 to 2012. With Mirabel still eligible to compete next year, she could take aim at replicating that feat. However, the best achievement in the girls' category remains with Ainil Johani Bakar, who captured four straight titles from 2006 to 2009. Despite coming off a phenomenal collegiate season in the United States—where she bagged five titles, won the prestigious Annika Award, and finished joint runner-up at the NCAA Division I Championship—Mirabel played down expectations and approached the event with a relaxed mindset. "To be able to come back here and play an event actually means a lot," said Mirabel, who last featured on home soil at the Maybank Championship last October, where she impressed with a tied-12th finish in the LPGA Tour event. "I wasn't playing my best golf this week. Like I said, I've been away for six months at school—I attend Florida State University—and I basically just came back wanting to take a bit of a rest and ease into it. "Overall, I think I did okay, but there's still a lot to work on. I made quite a few mistakes out there, but it's still alright. I was just trying to go out there, have fun, do what I can on the course, and just be myself—not trying to put pressure on myself like, 'Oh, I'm supposed to be good.'" In the boys' division, fellow Sarawakian Anson Yeo also lived up to expectations by sealing a wire-to-wire victory with rounds of 69, 65, and 69 for a total of 203. The 19-year-old held off a strong challenge from Rizq Adam Rohizam (72-69-68) and Hariz Hezri (71-67-71), who shared second place on 209. Nathan Wong (210) and A. Nateeshvar (211) completed the top five. Anson's win further cements his rising status in the domestic amateur scene, having recently clinched the PGM Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy—where he outplayed a strong field including established professionals. "This is my first time playing in the tournament, and I'm really happy to have won it," said Anson. "It was very competitive this week—everyone played really well. I felt good about my game overall, especially with my ball-striking and putting. "The SEA Games is one of my major goals this year, so this win gives me a good boost. I'll be playing in the PGM Penang Closed Championship next week to keep the momentum going." Leading final round scores: Boys 203: Anson Yeo 69-65-69; 209: Rizq Adam Rohizam 72-69-68, Hariz Hezri 71-67-71; 210: Nathan Wong 71-73-66; 211: A. Nateeshvar 73-67-71. Girls 209: Mirabel Ting 70-68-71; 221: Wang Xin Yao 76-73-72; 222: Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani 77-72-73, Foong Zi Yu 71-72-78, Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil 72-72-78.
The Star
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Sizzling 65 puts Anson top of boys' competition
PETALING JAYA: National golfer Anson Yeo (pic) has put himself in a strong position to claim his third title of the year after a commanding performance in the TSM Golf Challenge at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday. The 19-year-old shot a sizzling six-under 65 to go on top of the leaderboard of the boy's competition. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
The Star
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Jonathan grabs surprise lead at TSM Golf Challenge
PETALING JAYA: Unheralded P. Jonathan stole the show by grabbing the first-round lead after posting a fine three-under 68 in the TSM Golf Challenge at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday. Jonathan, whose notable feat was winning the Srixon Malaysian Junior Development Tour title two years ago, returned a flawless round to lead the field of 85 participants in the tournament.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
World No. 2 Mirabel to defend title at TSM Golf Challenge
KUALA LUMPUR: The TSM Golf Challenge, one of the nation's premier junior amateur tournaments, is set to return for its 14th edition from June 16-19 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), with national No. 1 amateurs Mirabel Ting and Anson Yeo leading the field. For the first time, the tournament will be held biennially, as announced last year. A total of 85 players — 50 boys and 35 girls under the age of 21 — will compete in this invitation-only event. The top 10 finishers in both categories will be awarded academic scholarships worth a combined RM133,000. The previous edition in 2023, also held at KLGCC, saw Mirabel claim the women's title while Marcus Lim emerged as the men's champion. Mirabel, currently home on summer break after a standout year at Florida State University, has confirmed her participation to defend her crown. Marcus, however, will not be returning as he has since turned professional. This will mark Mirabel's first tournament on home soil since the Maybank Championship last October. She enters as the clear favourite, now ranked No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) — a historic achievement as the highest-ever ranking for a Malaysian golfer, male or female. Mirabel recently added another feather to her cap by becoming the first Asian recipient of the prestigious Annika Award, presented annually to the top female golfer in the NCAA Division I circuit. She captured four collegiate titles during the 2024-25 season and wrapped up the year with a runner-up finish at the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship last month. A successful title defence would also make Mirabel the first player to do so at the TSM Golf Challenge since Galven Green achieved the feat in 2014 and 2015. Held under the tagline "In Search of the Malaysian Tiger", the TSM Golf Challenge has played a key role in shaping Malaysia's top golfing talents. Past champions include Gavin Green, Kelly Tan and Ashley Lau. Gavin and Ashley are currently the national No. 1 professionals, competing on the DP World Tour and Epson Tour respectively, while Kelly held the mantle as Malaysia's sole LPGA Tour representative for nearly a decade until last year. All three have also proudly represented Malaysia at the Olympic Games. "This event is more than a golf tournament — it's a national movement," said Datuk Mustapha Buang, president of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf Foundation.
