NG EYES BOOST FROM HSBC

Michigan-bound golfer says qualifying for Sentosa event will give her more self-belief

- Kimberly Kwek

Perched on her father's shoulders at the 18th hole of Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong Course, nine-year-old Jaymie Ng caught one of the most thrilling moments of the HSBC Women's World Championship on March 2, 2014.

In a sudden-death play-off with Azahara Munoz, American golfer Paula Creamer sank an incredible 75-foot putt to clinch the title and end a four-year winless drought.

Witnessing that moment left an indelible mark on Ng and inspired her to pursue golf competitively.

She said: "After the putt went in, the crowd just roared...

"It felt like everyone was genuinely happy for her and I was like, 'Wow, I want to be in that position in the future'."

Now, Ng herself has a shot at taking part in the HSBC event when she competes in the national qualifying tournament on Jan 8 and 9 at the club's Tanjong Course.

Six local players will feature in the qualifier, including 2024 winner Chen Xingtong - Ng finished tied-fourth then.

The winner will join some of the world's top women's golfers, including Olympic champion Lydia Ko, at the $2.4 million (S$3.3 million) tournament at the same venue from Feb 27 to March 2.