That sounds Swede – Natasha a contender for Annika Award

PETALING JAYA: National golfer Natasha Andrea Oon (pic) has made Malaysia proud again in the United States collegiate golf scene.

The 18-year-old, who studies at the San Jose State University in California, has put herself in early contention for the prestigious Annika Award, thanks to an impressive start to the new 2019-2020 season.

The award, named after Swedish golf legend Annika Sorenstam, is given annually to the top female collegiate golfer based on a voting system by coaches, players and members of the media.

And Natasha was one of 15 golfers included in the watchlist for the award.

She got off to a flying start by notching three top-15 finishes in her first three tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the Minnesota Invitational.

“I’m very excited and happy to be part of this list ... it’s my first time!” said Natasha.

“There are so many talented women on this list and to be recognised as one of them is a dream come true.

“The Annika Award is a pretty big thing to receive. But just to make the watchlist itself is a massive achievement for me.”

Natasha, who’s ranked a careerbest No. 160 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), has picked up where she left off in the previous season which ended in May.

Natasha’s impressive freshman campaign saw her claim two titles and three runner-up finishes. She also finished in the top 10 on four other occasions.

But Natasha’s arguably best result of the season came just earlier this week when she secured a top-10 finish in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship in May.

The NCAA national championship is the biggest event in the US collegiate golf calendar.

Natasha has now set her sights on cracking the top 75 in the world ranking by next year and competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia in April next year.

“I’ve never wanted anything more than to play in the ANWA. I will work my way there, little by little, the key is to break the top 100 first,” said Natasha.