READY FOR THE BIG LEAGUES

Durriyah all set for pro debut at Sime Darby LPGA

NUR Durriyah Damian is excited to perform in front of her home crowd at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia in her first tournament after turning professional in August.

Durriyah, 22, ended her amateur status after winning a bronze medal at last month's Sea Games and will be at TPC Kuala Lumpur for the Oct 26-29 event after winning her berth at last week's National Qualifying tournament.

"I don't have expectations as of yet but I will try my very best there," she said.

The 2016 Thailand Ladies Amateur Open champion said she would like to gain more experience to follow the likes of other Malaysian golfers who have made it onto the LPGA Tour such as Jean Chua and Kelly Tan.

"I'm going to be playing more for myself instead of playing for the country so I can challenge myself out there to be a better player and person," she added.

Meanwhile, Durriyah gave an insight into what the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) and the Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA) needs to do to produce Sea Games gold medalists.

"Golf is becoming expensive so for those who cannot afford it, it is hard to progress," she said.

"That's why there are not many Malaysian junior golfers and our pool of golfers is too small compared to better countries such as Thailand, Korea and Australia."

Durriyah added that national golfers need good role models and she aspires to be one for the younger generation.

"Those who have succeeded and turned pro can help those that are coming up in terms of sharing knowledge and experience," she said.

Joining Durriyah at the Sime Darby LPGA are national qualifying tournament winner Natasha Andrea Oon, Aretha Pan, Winnie Ng, Liyana Durisic, Michelle Koh and Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser.