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Jeneath finds lessons and positives in Women's British Open debut

Jeneath finds lessons and positives in Women's British Open debut

New Straits Times10 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian amateur Jeneath Wong can take plenty of positives from her outing at the Women's British Open despite a challenging finish over the weekend.
The 20-year-old marked a personal milestone by making the cut for the first time in a Major, eventually placing 71st with a four-day total of 17-over 305 (72-74-77-82) at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club yesterday.
Jeneath survived the halfway cut right on the number at two-over but struggled in harsher conditions as wind and rain swept through the weekend rounds on the demanding links course.
A links course is a coastal golf course known for its rolling terrain, deep bunkers, and exposure to strong winds.
"Definitely not the finish I was hoping for, but making my first Major cut is still a big positive," said Jeneath in an interview with the LPGA.
"I learnt a lot this week about managing my game under pressure and staying patient out there. I also felt like my ball-striking held up well against a really strong field, which is a big confidence booster."
The reigning Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific champion, Jeneath was making her third Major appearance of the year after missing the cut at both the Chevron Championship and Evian Championship.
She also featured in 2023 US Open.
Jeneath described the final day as a true test of links golf, with strong winds and rain making conditions extremely challenging and turning each round into a different experience.
Still, she called the week unforgettable, from the supportive fans to the historic setting, and said it has only strengthened her resolve to return to more Majors in the future.
"Today was definitely tougher as the 'real' links weather came, with the wind and rain picking up a lot during my round," she explained.
"The course played a lot more difficult with the strong winds. It made every round seem like I was playing a totally different course.
"Overall, it's been an amazing experience playing at Royal Porthcawl. The atmosphere was incredible, the fans were so supportive, and off the course I really enjoyed soaking in the history and the whole vibe of a links Major. It's definitely motivated me to keep working hard to be back in more of these events."
Jeneath will head back to the United States for her final year at Pepperdine University in California, where she hopes to cap a strong collegiate season that will prepare her for life in the professional ranks — a path she looks set to take upon graduation.
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