KUALA LUMPUR: Rookie Liyana Durisic is ready to make the most of a career-defining opportunity as she prepares to tee off alongside elite players at the Maybank Championship, which begins at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club today.
The 23-year-old will share the course with Spain's two-time LPGA Tour winner Carlota Ciganda and China's Liu Rui Xin, who boasts seven Epson Tour victories.
Having turned professional just two months ago, Liyana sees this as a valuable learning opportunity alongside Tour regulars as she sets her sights on eventually joining their ranks.
"It's amazing that Maybank provided us this platform to compete with the world's best," said Liyana, who earned her spot in the championship by finishing among the top five at the Asean qualifier in August.
"As a new professional, playing alongside experienced competitors is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best."
This marks Liyana's second LPGA Tour appearance, following her debut at the 2017 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, where she finished 74th in a field of 78 as an amateur.
While the transition to professional golf brings added pressure, Liyana is maintaining a measured approach.
"No pressure, no expectations. I'm just going out there to enjoy the game. I've prepared extensively, so now it's time to play my game and embrace the experience," she said.
Fellow Malaysian, Nur Durriyah Damian, will be competing in her fourth LPGA Tour event, following appearances in 2015, 2016 (as an amateur), and 2017, with her best finish being 69th in 2016.
Ashley Lau and Mirabel Ting are the two other Malaysian challengers in the tournament.