Jittery Durriyah doesn’t want to ruin her first professional outing
NUR Durriyah Damian hopes to mark the start of her professional career with a strong finish in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia on Sunday.
But first, the 22-year-old will have to get rid of the butterflies in her stomach.
“While I’m thrilled about my pro debut, I have to admit that I’m extremely nervous,” said Durriyah.
“This is my third time playing in this tournament but it feels so different this time. I’m feeling more anxious than ever.
“I’m trying not to think about playing as a pro but I just can’t.
“Many eyes will be on me this week. My family, friends and coach and I don’t want to let them down.
“Hopefully I can keep my nerves in check. It’s my first pro outing and I don’t want to ruin it.”
Durriyah ended her illustrious amateur career by winning bronze in the team event at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August.
Last year saw the best of Durriyah as she notched four notable wins – in the Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open, Thailand Ladies Amateur Open, Taiwan Amateur Championship and All-India Ladies Amateur Championship.
Durriyah will be aiming to improve on her joint 69th result last year. She finished 72nd on her debut in 2015.
With Durriyah joining the play-for-pay ranks, the eight-member “Malaysian Angels” will comprise four professionals – including Kelly Tan, Michelle Koh and Aretha Pan.
The four amateurs are Natasha Andrea Oon, Winnie Ng, Liyana Durisic and Zulaikah Nurziana Nasser.
Of the eight, only Liyana and Zulaikah are debutantes.
Kelly’s joint 32nd finish in the 2010 inaugural edition – as an amateur then – remains the best performance by a Malaysian at the LPGA Malaysia.