Singapore golfer Ryan Ang off to promising start in pro career at WA PGA C’ship
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Ryan Ang has more events lined up as his pro career takes flight.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – Playing in his first tournament as a professional, Singaporean golfer Ryan Ang was just hoping to make the cut at the Western Australia PGA Championship.
But after sinking his final putt at the Kalgoorlie Golf Course on Oct 13, the 25-year-old not only finished tied-fourth at the PGA Tour of Australasia event, but was also just a few shots away from winning the title.
Ang, who racked up nine birdies for a seven-under 65 – the lowest round on the final day – had surged from tied-10th the day before to finish on 15-under 273 with Cameron John (69).
Just two strokes separated them from Jack Buchanan (66) and Jordan Doull (67), who topped the leaderboard jointly on 17-under 271 before Buchanan won the sudden-death play-off on the second hole to claim the A$45,000 (S$39,700) winner’s cheque.
Ang and John, who pocketed A$11,375 each, were one stroke behind Elvis Smylie (68) in solo third, with Ang the only non-Australian in the top 10.
Ang, who carded 71-67-70 to enter the final day four strokes behind overnight leaders John, Doull and Smylie, said: “I knew I had a chance today.... I was thinking I had to get to a 17 under, which ended up being the number (for the winner).
“But I can’t be disappointed for my first pro event. I’m a bit bummed to not have a chance to win, but at the same time, I’m really proud of how I showed myself this week on my pro debut.”
Ang added that he had missed some practice rounds due to illness but on the final day, he felt better, which contributed to his impressive showing. At one stage, he even joined Buchanan atop the leaderboard, before being undone by back-to-back bogeys on holes 13 and 14.
He said: “I came into the week with a high fever and I didn’t play the first practice round, so I didn’t see the first nine holes of the golf course until my first actual tournament round. I only played the back nine on Wednesday, and then I rested.
“I didn’t go to the gym this week because I was under the weather the whole time, and I was carrying my whole tissue roll on the course just to clear my nose and stuff like that. I’m just managing to feel much better today, so that might have helped.”
National coach Murray Smit believes that Ang’s performance is an affirmation that he “has the game” to compete and win at this level.
He added: “Ryan had already put together a solid week through three rounds and we knew if the putter got hot that he would be in the mix. He played incredible golf in the final round and gave himself a chance to win, which is all you can ask for. There is a long season ahead, so he will just take it one event at a time.”
Ang has more events lined up as his pro career takes flight, with the Western Australia Open in Mandurah next from Oct 17 to 20.
After a break in Singapore, he will take part in the Nov 14-17 New South Wales Open and qualifiers for the Nov 28-Dec 1 Australian Open, with the Asian Tour’s final stage of qualifying school from Dec 17 to 21 also in his sights.
“I think many people didn’t know what to expect from me, given that I didn’t have a very illustrious amateur career, but to come out of the gates firing and to put my name on that map makes it feel really good,” said Ang.
“I hope it carries good momentum for the rest of the season and the rest of the year, and I’m looking forward to more good things to come.”
