GOLFER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: JAMES LEOW

As a kid, James Leow had harboured hopes of becoming a leading professional golfer. More than hopes, it was a dream of his to qualify for and win the Majors, whilst flying the flag high for Singapore. After completing a stellar amateur career, Leow, currently 26, announced in December 2022 that from now onwards he would be playing-for-pay. It has been a very encouraging past few years for Leow who had distinguished himself for self and country.

One of his most notable achievements was the gold medal that he won in the individual event at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines. In 2022, he beat highly-ranked opponents to win the Thunderbird Collegiate and the Pacific Coast Amateur titles in the United States, which is no small feat. He also represented the Team International side that beat the United States at the prestigious Palmer Cup. Then, playing as an amateur, he raised eyebrows with his 31stplace finish on eight under at the Asian Tour’s International Series Singapore in August 2022, six shots better than the Republic’s No. 1 Mardan Mamat, the lone pro to make the cut. And in the recent Nomura Cup, he clinched both team and individual silver medals, leading Singapore to its best-ever result at this event. With these achievements, Leow has climbed to an impressive 43rd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Leow said on his status switch: “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.” Since his dad Philip Leow introduced him to the game at the age of six, and at nine when the precocious Leow came under the wings of former Putra Cup champion Phua Thin Kiay, he has been fully committed to golf.

Given that he is a role model for many aspiring young golfers in Singapore, Leow has the following advice for them:

He adds: “There is no substitute for hard work. Waking up in the morning and going out to practice plus putting in time at the gym to get stronger physically. Master these fundamentals and you will become a better golfer.”

Leow recently graduated from Arizona State University, a highly ranked collegiate golf institution in the US that has produced the likes of Spain’s former world No. 1 Jon Rahm and six-time Major champion Phil Mickelson of the United States. Leow added: “My goals now are to secure playing rights on a major Tour and to start racking up Official World Golf Ranking points in order to climb the rankings. “Breaking into the top 100 in the world and qualifying for the Majors are my main goals.”

As someone who grew up and started playing golf at Seletar Country Club, Leow is incredibly grateful to the Club for it’s consistent support over the years not just for him, but for aspiring young amateur golfers who harbour dreams of turning pro. When asked on which hole in Seletar he considers to be the most challenging, he said: “Definitely Hole 3! Whenever I get to that hole, there needs to be a certain level of focus. Usually, I try to hit a good drive as far down as I can onto the fairway.”

Leow will also join the SGA Professional Programme which aims to assist professionals navigate the transition from elite amateur to professional golf by providing technical support, access to training facilities, and holistic skill development. 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.