 with a score of 71 (-1). The 28-year-old will be joined by fellow professional Joshua Yap and Irvyn Tan, who was the top Singaporean amateur in an international field that also included 2023 qualifier Amarin Kraivixien of Thailand.){kind=link}
SINGAPORE, 27 February 2024 – Singaporeans swept all three qualifying spots up for grabs for next month’s Porsche Singapore Classic, led by Nicklaus Chiam who won the qualifying tournament on Tuesday (27 February) with a score of 71 (-1). The 28-year-old will be joined by fellow professional Joshua Yap and Irvyn Tan, who was the top Singaporean amateur in an international field that also included 2023 qualifier Amarin Kraivixien of Thailand.
Yap, who turned professional just last year, scored 72 (E) to finish second after edging out Kraivixien and compatriot Tan in a three-way play-off at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club, which also hosted the qualifying event last year. Tan, 18, also scored 72 (E) to finish as Singapore’s top amateur and earn his place in the US$2,500,000 Porsche Singapore Classic.
The event, which kickstarts the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing, takes place from 21-24 March at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club with Porsche as its newly-unveiled Title Partner. Quotes from the three qualifiers are as follows:
Nicklaus Chiam: “I’m very excited and can’t wait for the tournament to begin. I want to get it going now, if possible! I’m very fortunate to have played really well today and to make it through to the Porsche Singapore Classic. I kept it steady today. The front nine was a bit sketchy. I made two bogeys, but the back nine helped me a lot. I made four birdies and one bogey, so it kept me in the qualifying event – very fortunate, very lucky. For the next few weeks, I’m just going to do I what I’ve been doing, practice and play as much as possible.”
Joshua Yap: “This means a lot to me. Getting on the DP World Tour is my ultimate goal and this is a good step forward. For the play-off, driving is one of my strong suits, so I was pretty confident off the tee even though it was off the right. I just stuck to my routine and it was a bit nervy over the putt, but I managed to make it. (In the lead-up to the Porsche Singapore Classic) It’s just about playing a bit more and working on the mental game. My goal is to try and compete and be in contention.”
Irvyn Tan: “Qualifying for the Porsche Singapore Classic means everything to me, because I get to showcase my skills at such a big event. I’m definitely hoping to make the cut for this event. It’ll be something very special for me to be the top amateur at this event. I had a really hot start in my front nine but I managed to hold down the fort in the back, so that helped me get into the play-offs. Even though it didn’t end the way I wanted to, I still had fun with the pros out there. Before the Porsche Singapore Classic, I want to sharpen up my driving. It was a bit wild today, so that caused a bit of haywire on the back nine. Once I get that fixed, it should be all good to go.”
The trio will tee it up alongside a line-up that includes 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, newly-minted DP World Tour winner Rikuya Hoshino, four-time DP World Tour winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Asian Games champion Kho Taichi.
Porsche Singapore Classic Executive Championship Director Patrick Bowers said: “It is very important to us that the Porsche Singapore Classic promotes pathways for Singaporean talent to earn their way into our championship. Therefore in collaboration with Laguna National Golf Resort Club, we have now offered, for the second year running, this opportunity for open qualifying, which guarantees Singapore will have a deserving representative in the field. We are delighted that this year, Singaporeans were talented enough to snag all three qualifying spots into the 2024 Porsche Singapore Classic, and we look forward to Singaporeans coming out to cheer them on during the championship week. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Kevin Kwee, Executive Director of Laguna National Golf Resort Club, added: “Laguna National has a long tradition of supporting and nurturing Singaporean golf talent. Our ultimate goal is to see a male Singaporean playing on the global stage. This chance to host the qualifier for the Porsche Singapore Classic is just another example of our commitment to provide the opportunity for Singaporeans to earn their way into a prestigious championship, possibly serving as a kickstart to their future golf career.”
The DP World Tour returned to Singapore last year for the first time since 2014, with South Africa’s Ockie Strydom winning the 2023 edition.
Event updates can be found on the Porsche Singapore Classic website, as well as its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Tickets to the Porsche Singapore Classic are available here. Children aged 16 and under receive complimentary entry when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. The Porsche Singapore Classic spectator village will feature a multitude of activities, food & beverage and entertainment options for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Credit: Porsche Singapore Classic