LAGT - helping to make the dream come true

For many lady professional golfers, the Ladies Asian Golf Tour is a gateway to the bigger, leading Tours of the world - US LPGA, LET, Futures Tour, Japan LPGA and the Korea LPGA.

The strong competitive fields, excellent venues and professional organisation are among the main reasons why the Tour is able attract players from all over the world.

Pornanong Phatlum, a rising talent from Thailand, is itching to play in the Japan LPGA Tour. However, she must wait another year as she is only 17. "They say I must reach 18 to play in the Q-school. I'm just waiting for this opportunity," she said.

As a 16 year old amateur, Pornanong made headlines when she captured the Hong Kong Ladies Masters at the Kau Shai Chiau Public Golf Course last year. Now she's back again for this week's US$80,000 Hong Kong Ladies Masters at the Discovery Bay Golf Club to defend her title.

It is understandable why Pornanong is in a big rush to play in Japan. Amont her compatriots, Porani Chutichai has already qualified to play in the Step-Up Tour that entitles her to play in 10 tournaments in Japan, while Yoopan Tiranun and Rungthiwa Pangjan will be attending the Japan Q-school this year.

"The LAGT Tour last year was really a great help to get more competitive exposure. This year, I'm also trying to make the most of the tournaments on the Tour calendar to equip myself for the Step-Up Tour," said Porani, adding that if she does well, she'll consider attending Q-school for the US LPGA at the end of this year.

While the Thai girls look mostly East to Japan, Chinese Taipei's Teresa Lu is hoping for a fruitful season when she begins playing on the US LPGA next month.

"Obviously, I'm happy playing in the biggest Tour in the world for women professionals. That's why I'm here to play in the Hong Kong Ladies Masters and I also played last week in Macau. I need competitive tournaments now to shape up for the US LPGA. I owe it all to the LAGT," she said.

Brazil's Ida Maria Priscilla, who played in all five events in the 2006 inaugural season, did not succeed in making the cut at the Q-school in Japan last year. However, the improvement she has shown and her form on the LAGT last year convinced her country's golf selectors to pick her to represent Brazil in the recent Women's World Cup.

"It was a really good experience but more importantly I have a Tour to play and I'm enjoying it," she said.

China's Wang Chun and Zhang Na also benefited from their LAGT experience, with both subsequently earning a card to play on the Step-Up Tour in Japan. Zhang Na, the most popular women golfer in China, is very excited about playing in Japan. "I'm working extra hours to fine tune my game and rectify all flaws. They will become the first Chinese professional golfers to play on Japan's Step-Up Tour.

Nontaya Srisawang is the sole representative who graduated directly from the LAGT to the Futures Tour. Nontaya, who is down to play at this week's Hong Kong Ladies Masters, is spending more time on the practice greens and the driving range. "I'm working to sharpen my game," she said.

For these women, the Ladies Asian Golf Tour has played a big role in helping to achieve their dreams sooner than expected.

January 29, 2007