Malaysia’s Mirabel Ting claimed her maiden Epson Tour title in dramatic fashion, defeating Rachel Kuehn in a one-hole sudden-death playoff at the inaugural Smoky Mountain Championship presented by Food City at Green Meadow Country Club.
Ting and Kuehn both finished regulation at 15-under 201 after matching pressure pars on the 72nd hole, forcing a playoff.
The Malaysian found herself in trouble immediately after her tee shot clipped a tree, but was fortunate to see the ball bounce back onto the fairway.
“The moment I snapped my drive and it hit the tree, I’m like, oh, that doesn’t look good, but the ball came out on the fairway. I was lucky,” Ting said.
From 155 yards, Ting initially considered using an eight-iron before her full-time caddie, Michelle Koh, advised her otherwise.
“I wanted to pull out an eight at first, and my sister (caddie) looked at me, and she’s like, I don’t think you can get there with an eight,” Ting said. “So I committed with a seven, and I stuck it like three feet.”
Ting then calmly rolled in the winning birdie putt to secure her first Epson Tour victory.
The triumph marked an emotional milestone in Ting’s rookie season, with Michelle playing an important role both on the bag and in helping the Malaysian accept guidance following the death of their father.
“I’ve been independent since my dad passed,” Ting said. “I took a step back, knowing that she’s here to help; she’s not here to harm. She’s here to help me and guide me through.”
Asked what she would say to her father after winning her first Epson Tour title, Ting paused before reflecting on what he might have told her.
“I think he’s proud. It’s been tough without him, but I think he’d tell me the same thing – you’re not a winner anymore, get out there and practice and work hard and hopefully be on LPGA next year.”
Ting had earlier carded a five-under 67 in the final round, making two birdies on the front nine and four more coming home to finish at 15-under.
The victory comes just weeks after Ting finished runner-up at the Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship and moves her up one place to third in the Epson Tour Race for the Card standings, putting her in a strong position in the battle for an LPGA Tour card.
Meanwhile, fellow Malaysian Ashley Lau finished tied 52nd at two-under 214 after rounds of 72, 65 and 77.
Ting’s breakthrough victory adds another significant achievement to an impressive rookie season and strengthens Malaysia’s hopes of seeing her graduate to the LPGA Tour.
