KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting may be Liyana Durisic's golfing idol, but a conversation with the Malaysian star has given her the belief to chase her own breakthrough.
Liyana hopes to turn that encouragement into a strong showing at the Maybank Championship, which begins at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) today, before heading to the United States for Stage 2 of LPGA Tour qualifying.
The 23-year-old, making her third consecutive appearance in the US$3mil (RM12.3mil) tournament, said chatting with Mirabel at the welcome dinner had given her a timely lift.
"I was hanging out with Mirabel. She’s my GOAT, my Greatest Of All Time, she's my idol," said Liyana.
"She was the only one who won twice on the Epson Tour, she bombs it down the fairway and she has absolutely no fear when it comes to playing golf."
Mirabel, who has already secured her LPGA Tour card for next year, encouraged Liyana to believe in her own ability ahead of the qualifying test.
"She was telling me about Stage 2, telling me, 'The course is easy, you’re going to tear that course up'.
"She was coming from a place with such confidence that it was so admirable to listen to and watch her be in her element.
"The fact that she thinks I could also do it too is very wholesome. It means I just have to believe in myself as much as she believes in me," she said.
Liyana will be hoping to build on a year that has already brought her first professional win overseas.
She claimed the Women’s World Sand Greens Championship in New South Wales, Australia, after producing a seven-birdie final round.
She is also familiar with the challenges at KLGCC, having made her tournament debut in 2023 as an amateur on a sponsor's exemption while representing Iowa State University.
She finished tied 72nd before returning in 2024 after qualifying through the Asean Qualifier.
Liyana earned her third consecutive appearance through the same route in August, securing the fifth and final spot with a two-under 70 to finish at one-under 143.
She will also have family support on the course, with older brother Danial Aizat Durisic returning as her caddie after filling the role during her 2023 debut.
Liyana and Mirabel are among five Malaysians in the field, alongside Kelly Tan, Natasha Andrea Oon and Genevieve Ling.
