Malaysia’s top amateur golfer, Mirabel Ting turned professional today and she’s doing it in style.
The 19-year-old from Miri, Sarawak will make her professional debut at the Amundi Evian Championship, one of the five major tournaments on the LPGA Tour. It’s a dream come true not just for Mirabel, but for her entire family, especially her grandfather, who introduced her to the game.
“My grandfather always wanted to see me play a major,” said Mirabel. “This is for him.”
Growing up, she played almost every day with her brother Malcolm and their grandfather at Miri Golf Club. Their regular routine laid the foundation for what would become one of Malaysia’s most successful amateur golf careers.
Mirabel Ting with the Annika Award. Photo: seminoles.com
Mirabel has just completed a phenomenal season with Florida State University in the United States. She won five tournaments in nine starts, never finished outside the top six, and set a new school scoring record with an average of 68.77. Her performances helped the team win their first ACC title and earned her the Annika Award, which honours the best female college golfer in the U.S.
That award also earned her a spot in the Evian Championship in France, now the stage for her first appearance as a professional golfer.
“She’s the best ball-striker I’ve seen in 25 years,” said her FSU coach Amy Bond.
Ranked No. 2 in the world amateur golf rankings, Mirabel is determined to become the first Malaysian to win on the LPGA Tour.
Her journey, however, has not been without pain. She lost her beloved grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic and couldn’t return home. In 2022, just as she started university in the U.S., her father, Thomas, passed away from a heart attack.
Those experiences shaped her resolve — and her reasons for playing. “I’m not actually playing for myself at the Evian,” she said. “I’m playing for my grandma, my dad, and my grandfather.”
Mirabel Ting with her mentor Michelle Koh
Michelle Koh, a former Malaysian pro golfer, is a key mentor in her development. The two remain close, with Koh guiding her through the ups and downs of life and golf.
After Evian, Mirabel plans to compete in local PGM Tour events and prepare for LPGA Q-School. She has signed with Fidelity Sports Group to manage her professional career.
