Teenagers lead the charge at HSBC Women’s Champions local qualifiers

SINGAPORE — Teenagers Callista Chen and Sarah Tan led the way on the first day of the HSBC Women’s Champions National Qualifying Tournament yesterday, as the 18-year-olds shared the clubhouse lead of four-over 76 after the first round of action at the Sentosa Golf Club (SGC).

Three-time local qualifier Koh Sock Hwee and Amanda Tan — who won the tournament in 2014 — finished the day just one-shot shy of the leaders after carding identical scores of 77.

Playing in hot and humid conditions at the SGC’s new Tanjong course, Tan fired up her first round with a birdie on the par-4 third hole to card a one-under-par 35 on the front nine.

Despite scoring a second birdie on the 16th hole, she soon landed in trouble after her tee shot from the 17th landed in the water.

That double bogey, along with a clutch of bogeys in the back nine, saw her signing for a four-over-par total of 76.

The national golfer, who turns 19 tomorrow, is hoping for an error-free second round today.

“I started pretty well and hit a lot of fairways and greens, and was one-under after nine holes,” Tan said.

“But on the back nine I started being more tentative and careful, and then on the second last hole I hit my tee shot in the water so I made a double on that hole as well.

“I need to be more consistent throughout the rounds and minimise mistakes, and also make sure that I commit and hit the spots that I want to give myself the best chance possible of making it.”

National teammate Chen, who had beaten Tan to the Schools National A Division girls’ title last year, also carded a 76 yesterday after hitting four bogeys in her round.

“I think I hit the ball pretty good today with some really good drives and approach shots, but I think I could have chipped and putted a little better,” she said. “I don’t think I need to do much ball striking (before the second round) because I’m hitting it good enough, but I’ll definitely do a bit of chipping and putting just to sharpen those wedges up.”

Koh, one of four professional players among the 14-strong field, will be looking to close the one-shot gap with the first round leaders today.

The 27-year-old, who won the local qualifying tournament in 2012, 2015 and last year, struggled with her short game on the course yesterday, eventually carding a five-over-par 77.

“I actually felt like I played pretty good, but I just didn’t make any putts, even five feet, six feet putts,” said Koh, who turned professional last February.

“I gave myself good chances which I just didn’t convert, so I’ll definitely be going to the putting green. Conditions were okay today, but the greens are very firm so you have to plot and plan your way through the round. If I make some putts tomorrow, it will be good. I’m definitely still in it.”

Ten-year-old Anne Fernandez, the youngest player in the two-day tournament, carded 88 to finish in 14th spot.

The Marymount Convent School student, who had only played on the Tanjong course thrice before yesterday, said: “I played kind of bad … it was quite hot today and much windier (than I expected). The greens were much faster than the Singapore Island Country Club that I practice on, so I’m not used to the greens. I’m going to train on my putting today for sure.”

The winner of the local qualifier will earn a ticket to play in the US$1.5 million (S$2.12 million) HSBC Women’s Champions from March 2 to 5.

The 10th edition of the tournament will see the world’s top female golfers — including world No 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn (2) and defending champion Jang Ha Na — battling it out for the top prize at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Day 1 leaderboard:

76 Callista Chen, Sarah Tan

77 Koh Sock Hwee, Amanda Tan

80 Amelia Yong

81 Malissa Loh

82 Elizabeth Ang

83 Margaret Fernandez

85 Jessica Ang, Joey Poh, Jen Goh

86 Hailey Suanne Loh, Erika Layson

88 Anne Fernandez

*Charissa Goh withdrew due to injury