Natasha can’t wait to tee it up with idol Korda at LPGA Malaysia
For four years, all national golfer Natasha Andrea Oon could do was watch from a distance as her idol Jessica Korda teed-up at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
But this time, the 15-year-old Natasha can join four-time LPGA Tour winner and defending champion Korda as one of the 78 players teeing up at the seventh edition of the LPGA Malaysia at the TPC Kuala Lumpur from Oct 27-30.
Natasha, who failed to make the cut in the qualifying tournament two weeks ago before earning an invitation to compete in the US$1.8mil (RM7.48mil) as the country’s top two juniors, has forged a close bond with the 23-year-old Korda since they first met in 2012.
That was the year Korda made her debut in Malaysia.
Their friendship blossomed and last year, during the prize presentation ceremony, Korda even invited her “little friend” Natasha to join her for the victory celebration. Korda was heard asking: “Where’s Natasha? I want her out here.”
No wonder Natasha can’t wait to be reunited with Korda on the course.
“I’m very excited about playing in the LPGA Malaysia for the first time and getting to meet Jessica again,” said the bubbly Natasha.
“I’ve been training harder than ever to get myself ready.
“Jessica was just as thrilled when she found out that I had made the field. She’s looking forward to meeting me in the practice rounds as well.
“Jessica is such an inspiration ... she is talented, funny, kind and awesome! I’m blessed to know her.
“I still remember the day we first met. I was only 11 back then. I was lucky enough to strike up a conversation with her and it all started from there.
“Always took her out for dinner and introduced her to many local food here ... her favourite is cendol!”
Natasha, who started playing golf when she was four years old, won several notable junior titles – including the 2015 Honda Junior Classic in Florida, 2012 Callaway Junior World in San Diego and 2012 Jakarta Junior World.
She has also done well this year, finishing joint 11th in the IMG Academy Junior World Championship in California in July as well as securing top 10 finishes in three senior tournaments – Singapore Open, Indonesian Open and Malaysian Open.
She also won one local title – clinching the gold medal in the National School Sports Council (MSSM) meet.
But nothing can compare to the moment she made a hole-in-one at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) Ladies Amateur Open in 2014. The feat earned her a Volvo XC60 – a RM316,000 SUV.
“It was a par-three seventh from 120m,” Natasha recalled. “My dad uses the car. It will be two more years before I can finally drive it!”