PETALING JAYA: A year after making history, Malaysia’s Jeneath Wong is targeting another milestone as she bids to become the first player to successfully defend the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship, which tees off at Royal Wellington Golf Club tomorrow (Feb 12).
The 21-year-old became the first Malaysian to win the region’s premier women’s amateur title in Vietnam last year and now faces a strong field featuring 12 top-50 world amateurs, including runner-up Oh Soo-min and US Women’s Amateur champion Rianne Malixi.
"I am obviously very grateful to be here as the defending champion. I'm looking forward to this week and it's very exciting. Playing at a really nice course with great weather, so I am looking forward to the challenge," said Jeneath.
Since the championship’s first edition in 2018, no player has won back-to-back titles.
Inaugural champion Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, now the world No. 1 in women's professional golf, came close when she finished runner-up in her title defence the following year.
A senior at Pepperdine University in the US, Jeneath arrived in New Zealand armed with more power in her game and invaluable experience from rubbing shoulders with LPGA Tour stars.
"I think now I'm a lot stronger. I’ve gained a couple more metres, so I think it will benefit me when hitting into the greens with shorter irons," she said.
At Hoiana Shores last year, Jeneath, powered by a magical third-round 64, edged Soo-min by a single stroke, earning exemptions into three Major championships and other elite amateur events.
The Melbourne-based Malaysian said winning the title was beyond her wildest dreams.
"What stands out the most is the overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride I felt representing Malaysia. Winning the WAAP was incredibly emotional, not just because of the victory itself but because of what it meant for Malaysian golf and for myself," said Jeneath, who is one of five Malaysians playing this week.
"Seeing the support from home and knowing that the win inspired others made it even more special. "Personally, it was a moment that validated all the hard work and sacrifices over the years."
The rewards that followed enabled her to travel the world and play alongside many of the game's top professionals.
"I was able to play the final round of the AIG (Women’s Open) with Yani Tseng. She used to be my idol when I was young, so it was cool to be next to her at that time," she said.
The other Malaysians in the field this week include Charlayne Chong Shin Ling, Nur Maisara Saad, Foong Zi Yu and Nur Diana Syafiqah Abdullah.
