Being the best Malaysian doesn’t matter as much for Mirabel as having done her best

Spirited show: Natasha Andrea Oon found renewed confidence on home soil after an arduous year of rebuilding.

KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting staked her position as Malaysia’s leading woman golfer after finishing as the country’s best performer at the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Despite enduring a frustrating putting show, Mirabel signed off with a below-par final round to finish tied for 48th on five-under 283, earning US$11,392 (RM46,231).

“It was a tough day, especially seeing putts not dropping but finishing under par is a positive.

“Being the best Malaysian does not matter as much to me as knowing I did my best, kept my routine solid and made progress. It was a week with plenty of reflection and lessons,” said the 21-year-old from Sarawak.

Having secured her LPGA Tour playing rights for next season, Mirabel is already mapping out her rookie campaign, with upcoming tournaments in China followed by an Australian warm-up stint.

Fellow Malaysian LPGA professional Natasha Andrea Oon also found renewed confidence on home soil after an arduous year of rebuilding, finishing tied for 56th on two-under 286.

After a slow start on Thursday and Friday, Natasha produced a spirited weekend turnaround, jokingly crediting her improved ball-striking to reviewing swing footage on the driving-range tablet with her caddie.

“I guess I am an iPad kid on the driving range.

“I looked back at my coaching videos and figured out the swing move I needed. More than anything, it was wonderful having the warmth of the home crowd.

“After a rough year of travel, not having to worry about a cut and just letting loose and seeing familiar faces was deeply special,” said Natasha.