Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Anson Yeo will be intent on learning new lessons when he makes his fourth successive Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) appearance in Dubai next month.

“I’m excited to play in my fourth Asia-Pacific Amateur,” said 19-year-old Yeo, currently 240th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

At the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course from October 23-26, Yeo will head a seven-pronged Malaysian challenge in the event that rewards its winner with starts in the Masters Tournament and Open Championship.

“Playing in the Masters and The Open is every golfer’s dream and knowing the winner will get the opportunity is an incredible motivation. It will push me to work harder and do well in Dubai,” said Yeo, a member of the International Team at the 2022 Junior Presidents Cup.

Winner of 10 titles, including four victories this year, Yeo hopes to use his past experiences in the region’s premier men’s amateur championship to improve on his career best 29th place finish, achieved at Thailand’s Amata Spring Country Club in 2022. He subsequently finished 67th in Australia in 2023 and joint 47th in Japan last year

He said: “Each year, I’ve been able to pick up new lessons, which has helped me grow as a golfer and build confidence. Everyone sees the AAC as the biggest stage for amateurs in Asia-Pacific. It not only gives us the chance to compete at the highest level, but this will also motivate upcoming juniors.”

Joining Yeo in the Malaysian contingent in Dubai will be Zia Iqmal Abdul Rashid, Hariz Hezri, Maverick Chua, Farez Azihan, Joshua Lim and Zubair Firdaus.

Like Yeo, Zubair has participated in the AAC on three previous occasions. He tied for 32nd in 2022, was joint 41st in 2023 and missed the cut last year.

For Zia Iqmal this year will mark his third AAC start, while Hariz will enjoy his second appearance. Chua, Lim and Farez will all be making their debuts in the championship.

Chua, who has five amateur wins under his belt, said: “I’m really excited for my first Asia-Pacific Amateur. It’s a great opportunity to test myself against the top players. Knowing that the winner gets to play in two of the biggest Major championships in golf will push me to give my best. Just having the chance to play in this event already feels very special.”

Created in 2009, the AAC was established by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The R&A and the Masters Tournament to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region.