Nur Durriyah needs to toughen up
B AT T L I N G nerves will be the biggest challenge for Nur Durriyah Damian as she makes her professional debut in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, which starts today, at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
Nur Durriyah, a bronze medallist at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in August, has engaged a mental coach to help her block out external factors to prepare for this challenge.
“Lately, I’ve been thinking too much over expectations and this is stressful. I am trying to park my mental issues aside to focus on this tournament. I am saying to myself that I need to enjoy this event as much as possible,” said Durriyah yesterday.
“I have a mental coach who has been helping me for the last few weeks and things are getting better. I wasn’t so nervous yesterday but I became nervous again when I saw the names of golfers who will be in my flight.”
Durriyah will tee-off with Americans Gerina Piller and Marina Alex, who are both gunning for their first career win on the LPGA Tour, today.
Durriyah’s compatriot Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser, who is also making her debut, wants to observe and learn from the professionals.
“For me, I just need to control my nerves and learn from the pros. I want to observe what they do in all aspects of the game,” said the 15-year-old.
Zulaikah, the two-time Pahang Amateur Open champion, will tee-off with two-time Symetra Tour winner Tiffany Joh and American Megan Khang.
“Obviously, I am nervous because they are professionals. Megan just got into the tour and so I would like to see how she plays and conduct her game,” she added.
Other Malaysians in the tournament are LPGA Tour’s Kelly Tan, Natasha Andrea Oon, Michelle Koh, Winner Ng, Liyana Durisic and Aretha Pan. Farah Azharie