Swinging from same source – five homesters share early grounding in SportExcel

KUALA LUMPUR: They belong to different generations and have taken different paths to professional golf, but all five Malaysians competing in this week’s Maybank Championship share something in common - their early grounding in the SportExcel junior golf circuit.

From rising star Mirabel Ting to seasoned campaigner Kelly Tan, Natasha Andrea Oon, Genevieve Ling and Liyana Durisic all gained valuable competitive experience through SportExcel before progressing to the international stage.

Their presence in the US$3mil (RM12.3mil) LPGA Tour event at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club serves as a timely reminder of the importance of grassroots development in nurturing Malaysia’s golfing talent.

Perhaps none embodies that progression better than 21-year-old Mirabel, who enjoyed a breakthrough season on the Epson Tour, winning twice and sweeping the Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards to secure her LPGA Tour card for 2027.

The Sarawakian was already making her mark in SportExcel tournaments as a youngster, finishing third in the girls’ under-12 category at the 2017 International Junior Championship.

Two years later, she finished runner-up in the girls’ 13-14 category and earned a one-month scholarship to Australia’s Hills International College.

Interestingly, Liyana also featured in the 2017 championship, finishing runner-up in the girls’ 15-18 category.

Nine years later, the two find themselves competing against some of the world’s best players on home soil.

Liyana, 25, provided an encouraging start for the Malaysian contingent on Thursday, firing a bogey-free five-under 67 to finish the opening round tied for sixth.

“SportExcel played a vital role in providing the tournament platforms, exposure, and ultimately the pathway to earn a US college scholarship at Iowa State University.

“I am grateful for the chance to kickstart my golf career,” said Liyana.

Natasha’s association with SportExcel stretches back to her childhood, with several appearances in the junior circuit in 2013 while Kelly’s performances in SportExcel Junior League events helped earn her a place in the national set-up at just 14.

Kelly subsequently became an established LPGA Tour player and represented Malaysia at two Olympic Games.

Genevieve, meanwhile, was already making headlines in SportExcel competitions more than a decade ago, winning the girls’ under-15 category at the 2010 International Junior Grand Final.

Established in 1992, SportExcel’s junior golf circuit has evolved from a local competition into an important development platform, offering young golfers regular tournament exposure and opportunities to compete internationally.

More than three decades later, the presence of five former participants at the Maybank Cham­pionship offers a fitting illustration of the programme’s enduring contribution to Malaysian golf.