Mixed fortunes for our pros

IT was a case of mixed fortunes for Malaysia’s leading professionals on tours around the globe this past week – with the highlights once again delivered by Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Liyana Durisic and Mirabel Ting.

Shahriffuddin and Liyana triumphed on the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour, securing the men’s and women’s titles at the Penang Closed Championship at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort in Sungai Bakap.

Meanwhile, Mirabel Ting recorded her second successive third‑place finish on the Epson Tour in the United States.

Her performance at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship at the Medalist Golf Club in Marshall, Michigan, marked her sixth top‑10 finish in her last seven starts on the Epson Tour this year and propelled her into the top 10 of the season‑long Race for the Card.

The Epson Tour is the official qualifying circuit of the LPGA, with the top 15 players on the Race for the Card earning LPGA playing rights for the following season.

Mirabel climbed to seventh in the standings, up from 11th last week. She also strengthened her position in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, rising 23 places to 433rd – a career best and more than 200 spots higher than at the start of 2026.

Sharing her thoughts with TeeUp on her showing at the FireKeepers event, Mirabel said: “I found playing in the wind at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel a little challenging, and the tree‑lined holes were a good test of my driver.”

Reflecting on her overall form, she added: “Right now I’m hitting my shots pretty straight and some putts are starting to drop.

“I’m being more patient on the course and keeping my focus on making pars, which helps a lot.”

Her mentor‑on‑the‑bag, Michelle Koh, said they were looking forward to the challenge in Harris, Michigan, this week – venue of the Island Resort Championship, scheduled to conclude today.

“It’s a beautiful course and very links‑like,” said Michelle.

“The weather is a little choppy, so we’re hoping for good conditions. The course is very open, so the wind and the tricky greens will be quite a test. Mirabel’s feeling good and will continue working to keep a level head as she moves forward.”

Weighing in on Mirabel’s rise to the top of the Malaysian standings in the Rolex Rankings, Michelle added: “It’s an exciting time with the run we’re on, and Mirabel’s game is heading in the right direction.

“Playing out here (in the United States) has helped her understand herself and her game on a much deeper level.

“She played really well again, especially in those conditions, and I’m proud of her and the amount of work she’s putting in.”

Malaysia also had Ashley Lau and Alyaa Abdulghany in the field at the Island Resort Championship. Bith failed to make the cut.

Natasha Oon, Malaysia sole player on the LPGA Tour, endured the same fate in the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan.

Natasha Oon, Malaysia sole player on the LPGA Tour, endured the same fate in the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan.

Shahriffuddin produced a solid display to lift the Penang title at Bukit Jawi with a 17‑under 199 total. That left Edven Ying and Amir Nazrin as joint runners‑up on 202, three shots back.

In the final round, Shahriffuddin carded seven birdies and a bogey at the 2nd hole.

“I played well today, and Amir was quite close, while Ervin for some reason wasn’t sinking the putts,” said the relieved winner, who collected RM31,500.

Looking ahead, Shahriffuddin added: “My schedule will be tight over the next few weeks as I’m also heading to Taiwan.”

Edven made a late run with a six‑under final round, but it wasn’t enough to catch Shahriffuddin. Edven and Amir shared second place at 14‑under‑par.

Liyana, meanwhile, overturned a three‑stroke deficit at the start of the final round to win by two shots.

“I think I put too much emphasis on the technical side of my game yesterday in the second round (77), but I relaxed more today and that helped me get the win,” said Liyana, who secured her fourth PGM Tour title of the season.

She finished with a three‑under 219 total, powered by a closing three‑under‑par 69 – the only sub‑70 round in the women’s field. Zulaikah Nasser finished second on 221, with Pang Hee third, a further three shots back.