Following the Junior Invitational Golf Championship, the focus at RSGC turned to the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open, as players from near and far came together for another edition of the Championship. From 4 to 6 August, 48 players from 11 countries took to the East Course for three days of competition, with familiar faces returning alongside players experiencing RSGC for the first time.
After three rounds, it was 17-yearold Namo Luangnitikul of Thailand who came out on top, finishing with a total of 215 to lift the Piala Tuanku Bahiyah. Playing in her first RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open, Namo held her ground across the three rounds to finish ahead of Malaysia’s Wang Xin Yao, who took the runner-up position with 218. Thailand’s Arisa Bintachitt completed the top three with 220.
For Wang, the runner-up finish added another chapter to her connection with RSGC. She was previously crowned the Girls’ Champion at the 2023 RSGC Junior Invitational Golf Championship, and it was lovely to see her return to the Club a few years later, this time competing in the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open and finishing among the leading players.
The leaderboard also featured another player with an exciting season ahead. Thailand’s Sarisa Pojanalai finished 4th with 223, following rounds of 76, 73 and 74. Sarisa was also part of Team MENA that finished runner-up in the Team Event.
Adding to her strong year, Sarisa was among the five standout golfers who earned their place through the ASEAN Qualifier 2026, securing invitations to compete at the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from 29 October to 1 November 2026. Congratulations to Sarisa on earning this opportunity, and we wish her all the very best for the challenge ahead.
There were plenty of other moments to celebrate throughout the week. Richtier Joelle Hanslike of Indonesia took the Division 2 title with 243, while Yunseo Im of South Korea and Eukonny Auson of Hong Kong completed the top three.
In the Team Event, Team JAP, with Malaysia’s Jamie Tan and Amelia Lee and Singapore’s Passion Hsu, claimed the Piala Datin Azian with a combined score of 301. Team MENA, comprising Sarisa Pojanalai and Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul of Thailand, together with Malaysia’s Nurul Nur, finished runner-up with 310.
This year also brought the Championship back to its roots, with the competition returning to the Gross format in which it was originally played. The change has already brought encouraging results, with the Championship’s WAGR Power Ranking rising from 77.1963 in 2025 to 174.8043 this year.
RSGC Lady Golf Captain Stella Chau shared her excitement about the change and the performances from our young players:
“I’m delighted that this year marks our first time hosting the tournament in the new Gross format! Achieving 174 WAGR power points is truly exciting, and we believe this change will attract even more top-ranked players to our Elite event in the years ahead
Big congratulations to our Member Sim Jane (WAGR #799), who finished 7th in the Open Division, and to Chang Ji Yu, who also finished 7th in Division 2. A special highlight goes to the RSGC team — Sim Jane, Chloe Lee, and Chang Ji Yu — who secured 4th place in the Team Event. Well done!
This event is not just about competition; it is also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and welcome new faces each year. Once again, congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who made this event possible.”
And perhaps that is what makes the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open so enjoyable each year. Some players come for the competition, but many also come back for the people, the friendships and the familiarity of returning to RSGC.
This year, we were once again joined by players who have made the Championship part of their annual calendar. Nurul Nur of Malaysia described the event as her “yearly retreat”, while Hisako Miyashita, now 87, has been returning to the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open for more than 20 years.
The Prize Presentation gave us a particularly special opportunity to recognise Miyashita. Organising Chairman Omar Salim presented her with a songket in appreciation of her longstanding support and dedication to the Championship.
It was a lovely moment to see someone who has shared so many editions of the Championship with us receive this recognition. Her continued presence, together with the many familiar faces who return each year, has become part of the story of the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open.
Speaking at the Prize Presentation, Omar shared:
“For nearly five decades, the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open Championship has provided talented young golfers with the opportunity to compete against the region’s best while fostering excellence, sportsmanship and friendship. We are proud to continue this tradition and remain committed to supporting the growth of women’s golf across the AsiaPacific.”
Behind every Championship is also a team working long before the first tee shot. Our referees, officials and staff put in many days and months of preparation to make sure everything was ready for the week. From the planning leading up to the event to the work carried out throughout the three days of play, we truly appreciate everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the Championship possible.
We would also like to thank our valued partners and sponsors. Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur was the Official Tournament Hotel, while F&N was the Official Drink. Our appreciation also goes to Hansamga Korean Ginseng, MST and Crestlink for their support of the 49th RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open Championship.
Congratulations to Namo Luangnitikul on lifting the Piala Tuanku Bahiyah, Richtier Joelle Hanslike on winning Division 2, and Team JAP on claiming the Piala Datin Azian. Well done to all 48 players who joined us this year and made their way to RSGC for another enjoyable week of golf.
We are also proud of our three RSGC juniors, Sim Jane, Chloe Lee and Chang Ji Yu, who represented the Club throughout the Championship. We were delighted to welcome our Malaysian players and overseas friends once again.
And now, we look ahead to something truly special.
The 50th RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open Championship in 2027 will mark our Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 editions of competition, friendship and memories at RSGC. It will be a special milestone for everyone who has been part of the Championship over the years, from the players who keep coming back to those who are discovering RSGC for the first time.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027 as we celebrate 50 editions of the RSGC Ladies’ Amateur Open Championship together.
