KUALA LUMPUR: After completing a rewarding five-week stint in Australia, Ashley Lau, the national No. 2 golfer, initially planned to return to her base in the United States.
However, when an opportunity arose to participate in the Singapore Women's Open, the 23-year-old golfer felt compelled to seize it.
The S$1.1 million tournament, scheduled for March 7-10 at Tanah Merah Country Club, marks the season-opener of the LPGA Tour of Korea (KLPGA Tour).
The event will feature prominent figures like major champion Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand, alongside a lineup of KLPGA Tour heavyweights, including Lee Ye Won, the KLPGA Player of the Year, and Kim Min Byeol, the KLPGA Rookie of the Year.
It's no wonder Ashley was eager to compete against the top golfers from the KLPGA Tour, even if it meant forgoing the Epson Tour's season-opening Natural Charity Classic in Florida, which coincides with the Singapore event.
"When the opportunity came, I just took it. It's a good field, so I'm looking forward to it," said Ashley.
"I will be missing the first Epson event, but there's a whole year.
"It will be good preparation. I always learn something new when I play in tournaments."
Ashley hopes to continue her momentum following an exceptional series of performances in Australia.
During her time Down Under, Ashley performed brilliantly across five events from January to February, with the highlight being clinching victory at the Vic Open, marking her inaugural triumph in her professional career.
Her victory held significance as she triumphed over former world No. 1 and holder of 64 titles worldwide, Shin Ji Yai Shin of South Korea.
Ashley also secured a commendable runner-up position at the mixed-field Webex Players Series, emerging as the highest-placed female competitor in the tournament.
Genevieve Ling is the other Malaysian invited to the tournament.
Genevieve is excited about her comeback to the KLPGA Tour, relishing the chance to face off against some of the globe's top competitors, even if it was just for a single appearance.
Previously, Genevieve had earned a restricted status to compete on the KLPGA Tour in 2018 following her victory on the Cinderella Story reality TV programme.
Since transitioning to the professional circuit in 2017, Genevieve has journeyed through various tours, including the Ladies European Tour, Taiwan LPGA, China LPGA, and Women's All Pro Tour in the US, amassing a wealth of experience along the way.
"I competed for a little bit on the KLPGA Tour in my first year as a pro in 2018 after winning the Cinderella story hosted by Quad Sports, so I've experienced what it is like to compete against them," said Genevieve.
"The last time I competed with these girls, I was a rookie, and the experience opened my eyes to what life on the professional tour would be like, so it's great to get the opportunity to compete against them again five years later.
"Having travelled and played golf worldwide, I can go into the week not as a wide-eyed rookie. I hope to return with some good scores and a favourable result in Singapore."