Amelie set for WAAP debut
(Photo cr: The R&A)
SGA junior national squad member Amelie Ng is among the youngest competitors in this week’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) Championship, but the 14-year-old is not afraid to dream big.
While Amelie will tee it up for the very first time against the region’s top amateurs, including defending champion Jeneath Wong of Malaysia and Korea’s Soomin Oh, who is ranked 11th in the world, the teenager cannot wait to get started at Royal Wellington Golf Club on Thursday.
“I’m really excited for this week. It’s my first time in New Zealand and it’s amazing. I was surprised at first because I didn’t expect to get the invitation, but after I processed it, I felt really proud of my progress and felt that my hard work has finally paid off. Of course, there’s a long way to go, but I’m really happy to be here,” said Amelie.
“I can’t wait to play. The layout is different from what I usually play … it’s longer and the greens are tricky. Putting will be tough, but I think I have the game to play well and I hope to make the cut. I’ll just try to play my best in every round and stay positive for every shot. Hopefully I make the cut and end up winning … hopefully!”
(Photo cr: The R&A)
As one of five Singaporeans featuring in the WAAP, alongside Chen Xingtong, Aamiya Koul, Inez Ng and Sydnie Ng, Amelie knows the rewards that come with winning the WAAP are immense, with invitations to three major championships and several other elite amateur tournaments.
“Winning would give me a lot of exposure that I’ve never had before,” she said. “It’s inspiring being in Wellington, watching the others practice, I was just like, ‘Wow.’ It definitely motivates me, as I think I’m one step closer to turning professional.”
Rated among the finest junior golfers in Singapore, Amelie has won events at home and in Malaysia and Japan, and finished runner-up at the Singapore National Women’s Amateur, as well as fifth at the Hong Kong Girls’ Junior Open.
She was spellbound by the beauty of the iconic Royal Wellington, and part of her preparation for this week’s test included playing from the men’s tees at home. “I’ve been playing a lot from the back tees because I know this week will be long,” said Amelie.
“I was taken aback. You don’t get this type of golf course in Singapore, with the hills and mountains and the lush trees. The conditions are amazing.”
All eyes will also be on Chen, who made history last year when she became the first Singaporean to qualify for the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship final.
Making her fifth WAAP start, with a best finish of tied 23rd in Vietnam last year, Chen is keen to register her best result yet, although she intends to stick to the proverbial “one shot at a time” mantra.
“I’m so excited to be playing. The challenge for me will be the greens as they’re quite tough, very hilly and undulating. The course conditions look great out there,” said the SGA national squad member, who was the youngest golfer to win the Singapore Women’s Amateur Open in 2024 at age 15.
“I don’t like to set performance goals because, for me, I just want to be better one per cent every day. This is one of my favourite events of the year and I always look forward to it, competing against great players. The level is very high and it’s a great opportunity for all of us.”