A new chapter for Mirabel

Mirabel is gearing to make her mark in the pro ranks. — Courtesy photo

ONE of Malaysia’s brightest rising stars is ready and set for the new season ahead – and for her first full campaign as a professional golfer: Mirabel Ting.

Last week, Mirabel finished second at the China LPGA Tour qualifying school to secure her 2026 card.

And this week, TeeUp spoke to both Mirabel and Michelle Koh – her mentor, friend and a professional golfer herself – about what we might expect as the season unfolds.

Michelle understandably indicated that as Mirabel transitions from amateur to professional, there will be many things she will need time to figure out, and “the best way to do that is through playing”.

“The CLPGA is a great platform for her to develop the skills she needs, to understand more about herself and prepare for a bigger arena,” Michelle told TeeUp.

“She’s the best ball‑striker around, but she’s still working on tightening up her game to get ready for the competition coming up. She’s fortunate to have a stage like the CLPGA Tour to compete on, as it will help sharpen her game and propel her to a higher level.”

Michelle, who has observed Mirabel’s growth for quite some time, said the budding pro has her hands full juggling college, training, travelling and competing on tour.

“But she’s finding her feet quickly and getting the hang of things,” said Michelle.

“She tells me that professional golf feels very different, so we sit down, draw up a plan and strategise for her to manage the mental and management parts of her game.

“I try to help her as much as I can, where I can. I guide her on life as a professional – that she needs to find her own way of handling and making decisions, managing her travels, dealing with pressure on the course, and off it, and handling uncertainties and life in general.”

Michelle said that, in her view, Mirabel is the best player Malaysia has seen in a while.

“With that potential, I am looking forward to her setting an example for the next and upcoming generation.

“Up‑and‑coming golfers need a clear pathway to the highest levels in golf, and I hope Mirabel will be able to carry this forward. She’s working to one day wave the Jalur Gemilang on the highest podium.”

Following are excerpts of TeeUp’s interview with Mirabel:

Q: First off, what are your plans for the coming season and beyond?

MT: I’m gonna be competing on the Epson Tour as well as the CLPGA this year. The CLPGA is starting early – next week, in fact – so it will be great for me to sharpen my game and prepare for the Epson Tour. Ultimately, the goal is definitely to make it onto the LPGA Tour next year.

Q: At the CLPGA qualifier you started a little slow but finished strongly. Walk us through how the week unfolded for you and how you felt about your game throughout.

MT: I started off the week making a couple of mistakes, adding pressure on myself, but I tried to stay calm after round one. Michelle and I had a chat after the round and managed to talk things through – what needed to be done the next day – and I was more focused on my process instead of trying to be results‑oriented. It worked for the last couple of days.

Q: Speaking of your game, how would you assess where it is right now, and are there particular areas you’re focusing on? You mentioned recently you’re working on your driving – how is that progressing?

MT: Yeah, it’s going well. I’m also working on the mental side of my game, as well as a little more on the short game, especially my chipping.

Q: In the short term, what are your immediate plans – whether in terms of tournaments, training blocks, travel, or other commitments?

MT: I’m travelling to China this Sunday (today) for the Ningbo Orient Open, and then Epson in a couple of months. I’m still gonna stick to the same practice schedule, and I’m graduating from Florida State University this December.

Q: Have you set any key goals or targets for the year, especially as you prepare for your first full season as a professional?

MT: My goal for this year is definitely to enjoy my first year as a professional – on the course and travelling around the world. Having my sister Michelle around, travelling with me too, should be quite fun and I can’t wait for it.