Sarawak Golfer Zulaikah Nasser Triumphs in Toyota Tour Qualifying School 2nd Leg
KUCHING (Sept 13) – In a remarkable comeback, Sarawak’s rising golf star Zulaikah Nasser clinched victory at the Toyota Tour Qualifying School 2nd leg, securing a bogey-free three-under-par 69. The triumph comes as a fitting birthday gift for Zulaikah, who turns 22 tomorrow, marking a significant milestone in her budding professional golf career.
A Sweet Early Birthday Present
Zulaikah’s win was not just about securing a title; it was about proving her place among the best on the tour. She finished the three-day tournament with an aggregate score of 214, standing five strokes ahead of competitors Afif Fathi and amateur Chan Kai Zhane at the Kota Seriemas Golf and Country Club.
“This win feels incredible, especially as an early birthday present. It validates all the hard work and reassures me that I belong on the tour,” said Zulaikah with a smile.
Her victory is especially significant given her recent disappointment at the Maybank LPGA Championship qualifiers, where she narrowly missed the cut.
“I didn’t putt well at the Maybank ASEAN qualifiers at KLGCC, and I was really hard on myself because I knew I could have made it. I kept practising hard, and today everything just clicked. I’m proud to have played bogey-free,” she added.
The Journey to Victory
Zulaikah’s performance was a testament to her perseverance and skill, featuring three birdies that secured her the RM3,350 prize money.
The anticipated head-to-head battle between Zulaikah and her flight mate Liyana Durisic fizzled out during the back nine when Liyana bogeyed holes two, three, and nine. Meanwhile, Zulaikah picked up her first birdie on the eighth hole, setting the pace for the rest of the round. Liyana finished with a three-over 75, trailing behind.
Both players, who started the final day at one-over 145, turned professional on Aug 27, just a day before the Maybank ASEAN qualifier. Despite Liyana’s setback, she will have another chance to shine when she competes against top-tier players like Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang, and Lydia Ko in the upcoming no-cut LPGA event, which boasts a US$3 million prize purse.
A Promising Future for Sarawak’s Golf Star
Zulaikah, a mass communications graduate from Sam Houston State University in Texas, has been making waves in the golfing community. After her impressive performance at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI) in her home state last month, she is determined to give professional golf her all, starting with the Harrier Cup at Kelab Golf DiRaja Pahang later this month.
Liyana, who graduated from Iowa State University, has also signed on as a Kelab Golf Seri Selangor golf ambassador, joining Zulaikah in representing the club in future tournaments.
Building Momentum on the Toyota Tour
The Toyota Tour Qualifying School 2nd leg saw 25 players, including eight amateurs and 17 professionals, finish at 15-over par or better, earning playing rights for the next 12 months. The next stop on the tour is the Harrier Cup, set to take place at Kelab Golf DiRaja Pahang from Sept 24-26. The tournament is organised by Professional Golf Malaysia and delivered by MST Golf.
Zulaikah’s success is not just a personal victory but also a proud moment for Sarawak, inspiring aspiring golfers across the state. With her eyes set on future tournaments, Zulaikah is poised to continue her ascent in the world of professional golf, carrying the hopes of Sarawak with her every swing.