The 19th Singapore National Amateur Championship concluded at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club in great fashion. James Leow and Hailey Loh emerged as the two new National Champions in their respective divisions.
29 men and 13 women played two rounds of strokeplay; Top 16 and Top 8 qualifies for the matchplay respectively. After the first two rounds of strokeplay, SGA Elite Squad member Lucius Toh led the men’s division by shooting an overall score of six-under par. Following closely behind was SGA Overseas Squad member James Leow. In the Ladies division, Goh Jen finished at the top with a total of even-par. SGA Development Squad player Hailey Loh settled in for second position after a three-over total in the qualifiers.
Notable contenders who made it to the round of 16 include Singapore’s top-ranking amateur Gregory Foo and SGA Elite Squad member, Joshua Ho who won the MPI Saujana Amateur Open in May. There was some good golf played during the week. Just like any matchplay tournament, there was much drama in most of the matches.
James Leow made it to the finals after an intense semi-final showdown with Gregory Foo. Both players were still tied after 18 holes and their match had gone to a sudden death. James eventually won on the second playoff hole and earned his spot in the finals. Joshua Ho comfortably won Lucius Toh in his semi-final match by beating him 5 & 4.
In the Women’s Division, Hailey Loh beat Margaret Leyi Fernandez 3 & 1 to secure her place in the finals. The other semi-final match between Linette Chua and Shannon Tan was a close fight and as the match was won on the 18th hole.
The Finals for the Championship was to be decided over 36 holes but due to the inclement weather, it was cut to just 27 holes. James Leow triumphed over Joshua Ho in his match by beating him just 1-up after 27 holes with a birdie on the last. James who had just recently won the Perak Amateur Open, can now put another victory under his belt before he returns to the United States to continue his studies.
In the Women’s Division, Hailey Loh showed grit and determination to eventually come out on top in her match with Linette Chua also winning on the 27th hole.
Please CLICK HERE for the full results.