Maybank Championship 2025 tees off at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), all eyes will be on the nation’s homegrown heroes — Kelly Tan, Ashley Lau, Mirabel Ting, Liyana Durisic, and Genevieve Ling — as they prepare to carry Malaysia’s hopes in this world-class LPGA event.
The five Malaysian stars shared their excitement and aspirations in a spirited press conference ahead of tournament week, reflecting not only their pride in competing on home soil but also their unity as ambassadors of Malaysian golf.
For seasoned LPGA player Kelly Tan, returning home always carries special meaning.
“It’s always an honor representing Malaysia,” said Kelly. “Even though we’re based in the U.S., it’s such a joy to come back and play in front of our fans, friends, and family. Malaysia has some of the most passionate golf fans in the world, and we want to make them proud.”
Echoing her teammate, Ashley Lau added that playing in Kuala Lumpur offers a rare moment of connection with loved ones.
“The U.S. is so far away, so my family hardly gets to see me play. This week is special — having them here means everything.”
Young prodigy Mirabel Ting, who made her debut at the event as an amateur, now returns as a professional, but with the same humble approach.
“Nothing really changes for me,” she said. “Whether amateur or pro, my focus is the same — to play my game, stay patient, and enjoy every moment.”
For Liyana Durisic and Genevieve Ling, who qualified for the tournament, the week represents both pride and opportunity.
“It means so much to play on home soil again,” said Liyana. “I qualified here last year, and to come back and prove to myself that I belong here feels great.”
Genevieve added: “I’ve practiced and played on this course often, so I know what I can do. It’s all about staying calm, one shot at a time.”
The West Course at KLGCC is known for its challenging layout and immaculate conditions — a true championship test.
“It’s a big, well-rounded course,” Kelly explained. “You’ve got to drive it well, hit solid approaches, and make your putts. It rewards complete golf.”
Mirabel emphasized patience and precision:
“Hitting fairways and greens, and waiting for the putts to drop — that’s key.”
Ashley agreed, highlighting the mental aspect:
“We’re human, and the pressure’s real when playing in front of big crowds. Staying composed mentally will make the difference.”
Each player shared her preparation journey heading into the week, blending technical refinement with mental discipline.
“I’ve been working on my short game a lot,” said Liyana. “The greens are slick, so having touch around the green is crucial. I’ve also talked with my mental coach to stay relaxed and not overthink.”
Ashley added, “Sometimes in big weeks we try to do too much. This week I’m focusing on not overworking and trusting the process.”
Kelly, meanwhile, focused on consistency. “My preparation doesn’t change much. It’s about doing what’s best for me — trusting what got me here.”
Genevieve echoed the sentiment:
“We’ve all put in the work for years to get to this level. The key now is staying calm and letting our golf speak for itself.”
The Malaysian contingent represents a new era of golf in the country — a blend of experience, emerging talent, and unshakable pride.
From Kelly’s veteran leadership to Mirabel’s youthful energy, and from Ashley’s composure to Liyana’s momentum and Genevieve’s local familiarity, each brings something unique to Malaysia’s charge at this year’s Maybank Championship.
“We all want to perform well in front of Malaysian fans,” Genevieve said. “This is our one big LPGA event of the year — it’s special, and we want to make it count.”
As the Maybank Championship 2025 gets underway, Malaysia’s “Fab Five” stand ready to inspire a new generation.
Their unity, humility, and determination perfectly reflect the spirit of the event — one that celebrates excellence, diversity, and the power of sport to unite.
“We’re here to play our best and enjoy every shot,” said Kelly with a smile. “Hopefully, we’ll make Malaysia proud.”
Credit Photo : Maybank
