Singapore golfer and SEA Games Gold Medallist James Leow turns professional
James Leow has decided to take the next step in his golfing career and enter the play-for-pay ranks of professional golf.
The 26 year-old has had a stellar amateur career. One of his most notable achievements was the gold medal that he won in the individual event at the 2019 SEA Games in Philippines. This year, he beat highly ranked opponents to win the Thunderbird Collegiate and the Pacific Coast Amateur, and also represented the winning Team International side at the prestigious Palmer Cup. He also clinched both team and individual silver medals at the recent Nomura Cup, which is Singapore’s best ever result at this event. With these achievements, James rose to an impressive 43rd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
With regards to his decision to turn professional, James said “It’s all I’ve been working for since I was a kid and I’m ready to compete against the best in the world. My debut as a pro will be the Asian Tour Final Qualifying Stage.” James has received an exemption from the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) to the Final Qualifying Stage which will take place from January 18 to 22 at Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, in Hua Hin, Thailand. It will be played over five rounds and at the conclusion of 90 holes, the top 35 will received their full tour cards and be ranked accordingly for the 2023 season. How well he does at Asian Tour Final Qualifying Stage will determine how many events James will be eligible for in 2023. He also plans to play the Asher Tour, a mini-tour based in the West Coast of the United States.
James is a recipient of Sport Singapore’s spexScholarship program which financially supports his training and tournament-related expenses. In 2023, James will also join the SGA Professional Program which aims to assist professionals navigate the transition from elite amateur to professional golf by providing technical support, access to training facilities, and holistic skill development. “James has done Singapore proud with his many achievements during his amateur career and we wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase of his career. SGA will continue to support him in his professional career,” said Tan Chong Huat, SGA President.
James recently graduated from Arizona State University, a highly ranked collegiate golf team in the US that has produced the likes of Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson. He added that his goals for now are to secure playing rights on a major tour and to start racking up Official World Golf (OWGR) points in order to climb the rankings. By doing so, he hopes to break into the top 100 of the world and be able to qualify for the majors. For now, he has set his sights on Asian Tour Final Qualifying Stage.