Singapore: Rising Singapore amateurs Sydnie Ng and Athena Ni are ready to prove their mettle when they tee it up at next week’s Singapore Ladies Masters.
The duo have been granted starts in the US$100,000 event at Laguna National Golf Resort Club from June 14-16 – the only China LPGA Tour tournament to be held abroad in the 2024 season.
The local duo have been inspired by the feats of Shannon Tan, who posted a landmark win in the tournament’s inaugural edition last year when she was still an amateur.
Tan turned professional in January and her career trajectory has been on the rise, securing a maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) victory in February’s Magical Kenya Ladies Open.
Tan’s inspiring story has not only left her younger compatriots in awe but also is driving them to try to follow in her footsteps with the Singapore Ladies Masters being the perfect launchpad.
“What Shannon has achieved has inspired a lot of juniors in Singapore,” said Ng, who at the age of 13 will be the youngest player in the field.
She added: “I am very excited because this is the first time I am participating in a pro event in my home country. I hope I can make Singapore proud. My goal is to play good golf without putting too much pressure on myself. I am still young and just want to enjoy the tournament.
“Ever since I started playing golf competitively, I have mostly played with older players. I enjoy playing with them because I get to learn a lot.”
Ni said Tan’s achievements prove that every player should have the courage to dream big.
She said: “Looking at Shannon’s superb showing at last year’s inaugural event, it goes to show anything is possible. Her win in last year’s Singapore Ladies Masters had a huge influence on me and she then won another tournament on the LET. I hope to be able to emulate some of the success.
“But I need to have my feet firmly grounded because Shannon is a class act and the field at this year’s event is just as good and competitive.”
Ni, who’s set to play collegiate golf in the United States for the University of Washington, has a score to settle at Laguna National as she missed the cut last year. “I am thrilled to be back for this year’s Singapore Ladies Masters and very grateful to CLPGA, LLD Sports and Laguna National for giving me this opportunity,” she said.
The local contingent will face stiff competition from the cream of the crop of the CLPGA Tour, including Ji Yuai, Sui Xiang, Shi Yuli, Lin Qianhui and Lin Yezhou.
The tournament will also feature a sprinkling of international players including Thailand’s Kan Bunnabodee, Pattraporn Sripatrprasite and 15-year-old amateur Arisa Bintachitt, Japan’s Julia Kurata, and Korean Jung Hyun-woo.
The top 60 professional players, along with ties, after 36 holes will advance to the final round of the Singapore Ladies Masters.
Organised by LLD Sports, the Singapore Ladies Masters is sponsored by Marina Bay Sands and CarTimes Group and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.
