Singapore: Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) winners Keita Nakajima and Ding Wenyi will spearhead the region’s challenge in next month’s US$2.5 million Porsche Singapore Classic.
Japan’s Nakajima, who triumphed in the AAC in Dubai in 2021, and China’s Ding, winner of the 2024 AAC in Japan, are among the confirmed starters for the DP World Tour event at Singapore’s Laguna National Golf Resort Club from March 20-23.
Among those joining them in the field for the opening leg of the DP World Tour’s 2025 Asian Swing are Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Malaysian Gavin Green, China’s Li Haotong and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre, 16th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
After a glittering amateur career that culminated with his triumph at the Taiheiyo Club Gotemba last October, Ding turned professional through the Global Amateur Pathway, which was launched by the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and The R&A to help the best eligible male amateur players within the top 20 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking take the next step in their careers and secure playing rights on the DP World Tour.
Though still early in his professional journey, 20-year-old Ding has already made waves on the global golf scene and will make his professional debut in Singapore. He played in the event in 2023 while still an amateur and led at the half-way stage before finishing in a share of 23rd place.
He said: “I’m happy to be back at Laguna for the Porsche Singapore Classic. Having played there in 2023, I know what an incredible event this is. The city is amazing and I’m just excited to be back for another memorable experience."
Nakajima finished tied 29th on his debut in Singapore last year. With a full season on the DP World Tour now under his belt, the 24-year-old is keen to add another title to his name.
He said: “I really enjoyed Singapore last year. I played well and gained some momentum before going on to win the following week in India. I hope I get those good feelings again when I come back.”
Meanwhile, four-time DP World Tour winner Kiradech will be aiming to go one better than last year when he was edged out on the third hole of a sudden-death play-off by Sweden’s Jesper Svensson.
The Thai delivered a stunning final-round 64, highlighted by an eagle on the 18th hole, to reach 17-under par and force a play-off with Svensson. Both men made a birdie on the first trip up the last and then exchanged a pair of pars before Kiradech went over the back of the green and made a bogey on the third extra hole, leaving Svensson two putts for a par and victory.
Kiradech said: “The Porsche Singapore Classic is one of the highlights of my year. The city’s energy is incredible, and there’s nothing quite like the warm hospitality of the people there. The food, too, is a treat – Singapore truly offers something special for every golf fan.
“Last year I was so close to a win at Laguna. I hope to put in another good performance this year to go one better."
Ding’s compatriot Li etched his name into golfing history in 2018 as the first male golfer from his nation to enter the top 50 of the OWGR following a stunning victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Li said: “The Porsche Singapore Classic is the perfect tournament to lead off the upcoming run of events on the Asian Swing and shows the world the global nature of our Tour. I know all the players are excited to come back. It’s a fantastic event.”
Malaysian Green is looking forward to a busy run of events on the Asian Swing, as he looks to climb the Race to Dubai Rankings this season.
He said: “Playing a DP World Tour event so close to home is an amazing opportunity. The Asian members on the DP World Tour are really excited about the Asian Swing. We have some great events and we’re all hoping for a lot of local support on the course.”
