Malaysia’s Foong Zi Yu seized the early lead at the ASEAN Templer Park CC 39th Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open on Tuesday, carding a one-under-par 71 at the Templer Park Country Club.
The 2023 SEA Games bronze medallist surged to the top of the leaderboard with a crucial birdie on the par-four 17th, becoming the only player in the 80-strong field to post a red number on a day marked by swirling winds and demanding greens.
Trailing just one shot behind were Thailand’s Kanyarak Pongpithanon and Namo Luangnitikul, along with 14-year-old Singaporean rising star Sydnie Ng, all of whom returned steady rounds of even-par 72.
Malaysia’s Wang Xin Yao, widely considered a pre-tournament favourite, sits in solo fifth following a 73, with Indonesia’s Elaine Widjaja a further stroke back at 74.
Foong Zi Yu. Photo by AZMIZAN NORDIN | KAMARUL AZAM | MYPHOTO2U | MALGA
Playing in her fourth edition, Foong attributed her round to patience and familiarity with the course. “It was a good day’s work, but I had to be patient out there,” said the University of Nevada, Las Vegas sophomore. “I was giving myself chances, but couldn’t convert them until late. I think the only real advantage I have is that I’ve played this course since my junior days—I feel very much at home here.”
Ng, who had reached two-under through 14 holes, saw her round slip slightly with bogeys at the 15th and 17th. Despite that, the young Singaporean remains optimistic. “I had the momentum on the front nine, but I second-guessed some approach shots. I’ll work on committing to my distances more over the next two rounds.”
Organised by the Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA), the tournament is the most prestigious women’s amateur championship in the country. This year’s event features 80 competitors from eight ASEAN member states and seven other Asia-Pacific nations. Recognised with a C-rating on the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), the tournament is a vital stepping stone for top regional amateurs.
In conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS), through Perbadanan Padang Golf Subang (PPGS), is co-organising this year’s edition to promote regional unity and integration through sport. The championship continues to embody ASEAN values of cooperation, mutual respect, and sporting excellence.
Templer Park Country Club, a long-time supporter of amateur golf in Malaysia, is hosting the championship for the third and final year as its official title sponsor and venue.
Leading first round scores (Par-72)
71 – Foong Zi Yu (MAS)
72 – Kanyarak Pongpithanon (THA), Namo Luangnitikul (THA), Sydnie Ng (SGP)
73 – Wang Xin Yao (MAS)
74 – Elaine Widjaja (INA)
75 – Samantha Marie-Albert Dizon (PHI), Juwon Kim (NZL), Guntas Kaur Sandhu (IND), Aaradhya Shetty (IND)
