Jeneath Wong Triumphs at WAAP to Become First Malaysian Champion
7th Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) Championship
Quangnam, Vietnam – Hoi An, known as the city of lanterns, had a new shining star as Jeneath Wong captured the 7th Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) Championship title in spectacular fashion.
With a composed and skilful performance, the 20-year-old Malaysian etched her name into history as the first player from Malaysia to claim the prestigious women’s amateur title in the Asia-Pacific region.
Holding a three-shot lead overnight, Wong delivered a final-round 68 at Hoiana Shores Golf Club, securing victory with a four-day total of 18-under-par 266. Her consistency across the tournament was remarkable, with four consecutive rounds in the 60s (65-69-64-68), making her triumph one of the most dominant in WAAP history.
Final Round Battle: Wong Holds Off Korean Contenders
The final round saw a thrilling duel between Wong and Korean challengers Soomin Oh and Sumin Hong.
World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) No. 9 Oh drew level with Wong with two holes to play, setting up an intense finish. However, the Pepperdine University star—nicknamed ‘Pocket Dynamite’—rose to the occasion.
At the par-3 17th, Wong struck a stunning seven-iron that nearly resulted in a hole-in-one, leaving herself a tap-in birdie to reclaim the lead. Taking a one-shot advantage into the par-5 18th, Wong faced another test.
Oh reached the green in two, setting up a 35-foot eagle attempt, while Wong was 40 yards short of the putting surface. Showing remarkable composure, she executed a precise pitch, leaving herself a four-foot birdie putt.
After watching Oh’s eagle attempt slip past the hole, Wong calmly rolled in her birdie putt, sealing a one-stroke victory and delivering one of the greatest performances by a Malaysian amateur.
History-Making Performance
Wong’s 72-hole total of 266 set a new WAAP record, surpassing the previous mark of 270, set by Chun-wei Wu (Chinese Taipei) in 2024. Over four rounds, she recorded 24 birdies, just four bogeys, and a single double-bogey, displaying remarkable control and consistency.
She also became the first non-teenager to win the WAAP, at 20 years old, breaking the previous record held by Wu (19 years, 2 months, 5 days).
"It’s unreal. I’m in shock," said Wong, who was awarded the Rae-Vadee T. Suwan champion’s medal and secured places in three major championships in 2025 – the AIG Women’s Open (Royal Porthcawl, Wales), The Chevron Championship (Texas, USA), and the Amundi Evian Championship (France).
"It’s really exciting because it gives me the experience of playing in the top LPGA tournaments, which is where I hope to compete in the future."
Strong Performances from Korean Contenders
Despite falling just short, Oh (16) produced a stunning final-round 66, finishing runner-up at 17-under 267.
"Of course, I’m a bit disappointed, but that doesn’t mean I played badly. I’m proud of my performance," said Oh.
Hong, the halfway leader, fought back with birdies at 13, 14, and 16, but pars at the final two holes left her at 15-under 269, securing third place.
Other Notable Performances
Yunseo Yang (Korea) & Jazy Roberts (Australia) – Tied 4th at 14-under 270
Ying Xu (China) – 6th place at 13-under 271
Vietnam’s Chuc An Le – Finished 30th with 284, the best-ever WAAP finish by a Vietnamese player
Pathway to the Professional Stage
Developed by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the WAAP provides a platform for elite women amateurs to progress to the international stage.
In addition to earning spots in three major championships, Wong will also receive invitations to:
Hana Financial Group Championship (KLPGA Tour)
ISPS Handa Australian Open
122nd Women’s Amateur Championship
Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA)
Looking Ahead
With Malaysia celebrating its first WAAP champion, Wong’s triumph serves as inspiration for the next generation of golfers in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, Korea’s quest for a maiden WAAP title continues, despite yet another strong showing.
The WAAP is proudly supported by Rolex, ISPS Handa, Hoiana Shores Golf Club, Samsung, Hana Financial Group, Nippon Kabaya Ohayo Holdings, New World Hoiana Hotel, Peter Millar, G Link Logistics, and Titleist.
As Wong prepares for her debut in LPGA major championships, all eyes will be on the rising Malaysian star as she continues her journey towards the professional ranks.