Singapore: James Leow, a five-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) participant, has joined the ranks of the professionals.
The 26-year-old Arizona State University graduate will make his professional debut at this month’s Asian Tour Final Qualifying Stage.
Announcing his decision to turn professional, Leow said: “It’s all I’ve been working for since I was a kid and I’m ready to compete against the best in the world.”
Contested over five 18-hole rounds (90 holes), the Asian Tour Final Qualifying Stage is being staged at Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, in Hua Hin from January 18-22.
The top-35 will receive their full Asian Tour playing rights for the 2023 season. Depending on the status he attains and the number of starts he’s likely to be granted, Leow is planning also to play the Asher Tour, a mini-Tour on the West Coast of the United States.
Among his finest feats representing Singapore as an amateur was winning the individual gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines.
Leow further underlined his credentials as one of the world’s elite amateurs last year, rising to a high of 43rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
His highlights in 2022 included winning the Thunderbird Collegiate and the Pacific Coast Amateur, and representing the victorious Team International side at the Palmer Cup.
He also clinched both team and individual silver medals at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship for the Nomura Cup at Manila Southwoods in late November – Singapore’s best ever result at this event.
In October, he tied for 20th in the AAC at Thailand’s Amata Spring Country Club. He also appeared in the event in 2015 (tied 19th), 2016 (tied 54th), 2019 (tied fifth) and 2021 (tied ninth).
Leow is a recipient of Sport Singapore’s spexScholarship programme which financially supports his training and tournament-related expenses.
This year, Leow will also join the SGA Professional Programme, which aims to assist professionals in navigating the transition from elite amateur to professional golf by providing technical support, access to training facilities, and holistic skill development.
Tan Chong Huat, President of the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), said: “James has done Singapore proud with his many achievements during his amateur career and we wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase of his career. SGA will continue to support him in his professional career.”
