Augusta, Georgia, United States: Malaysia’s top lady amateur Mirabel Ting is relishing the prospect of teeing off on the hallowed fairways of Augusta National Golf Club when she makes her debut at next week’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA).
Ting is one of 29 debutants in the elite 72-player field for the fifth edition of the championship, all hoping to emulate three previous first-timers who emerged victorious – Americans Jennifer Kupcho (2019) and Anna Davis (2022), and Japan’s Tsubasa Kajitani (2021).
A sophomore at Florida State University, Ting is bent on enjoying her ANWA experience – more so with the presence of her friend and mentor, Malaysian professional golfer Michelle Koh, who will be flying to Augusta to watch the action.
“I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying the week, especially having Michelle with me at a place that we will remember for a lifetime,” said Ting, currently ranked a career-high 16th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
“It is going to be special. I’m feeling a little nervous going into the week but am really excited,” added the 18-year-old golfer from Miri, Sarawak.
Ting’s emotions are certainly justified as the ANWA winner, provided she remains an amateur, receives invitations to four women’s Majors in 2024 – the US Women’s Open, AIG Women’s Open, Chevron Championship and Evian Championship. The winner will also be invited to the next five ANWA championships and any USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur events for which she is eligible.
The first two rounds of the 54-hole championship will be played at Champions Retreat Golf Club (April 3-4), following which a cut to the top 30 players and ties will be applied. The final round takes place at Augusta National on Saturday, April 6.
Even if she fails to make it to the final 18 holes, Ting will join the entire field for an official practice round at Augusta National on April 5. The players will experience the course in mint tournament condition as it plays host to the Masters Tournament the following week.
“I haven’t really set myself a target, but I would love to make the cut and play the weekend. Being around people that I enjoy being with and giving my best on the golf course are the only things I can do – the rest will be out of my control,” noted Ting.
Ting will bring with her the confidence of having recently won a tournament in Augusta. She claimed the individual title at the Valspar Augusta Invitational in early March at Forest Hills Golf Course, just a few miles away from Augusta National. The Malaysian has been in fine form for the Seminoles women’s golf team at Florida State this season, averaging 71.17 and claiming medallist honours twice.
“I would say my game has been working well from tee to green on the course lately. I’ll be working hard to prepare myself for the ANWA,” said Ting.
Ting has another Augusta connection, having begun her US collegiate golf career with Augusta University before transferring after one season to higher-ranked Florida State in June last year.
“There were definitely a lot of changes after transferring to Florida State. I’m enjoying every second I have with the girls and coaches here. It’s even better than I expected,” she said.
