WAAP: JENEATH AIMS FOR SUCCESSFUL TITLE DEFENCE IN NEW ZEALAND

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s Jeneath Wong is gearing up for a successful title defence at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship when the region’s best young players descend on New Zealand for the eighth edition at Royal Wellington from Feb 12 to 15, 2026.

The 21-year-old Jeneath wrote a slice of golf history in the region’s pre-eminent amateur championship for women by becoming the first Malaysian winner at Hoiana Shores, Vietnam in March and will now attempt to become the first back-to-back WAAP winner when Royal Wellington hosts the championship for the first time.

“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to defend my title at Royal Wellington. Any chance to return as a defending champion is special and doing it at such a well-respected venue makes it even more meaningful.

“From what I’ve heard, it rewards strong ball-striking and smart course management, which suits my game well. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” she said in a statement, today. 

Jeneath also said becoming Malaysia’s first champion at the WAAP was truly an honour with overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride to be representing Malaysia. 

“Winning the WAAP was incredibly emotional, not just because of the victory itself, but because of what it meant for Malaysian golf and myself. Seeing the support from home and knowing that the win inspired others made it even more special. Personally, it was a moment that validated all the hard work and sacrifices over the years.

“The WAAP has had a massive impact on women’s golf in the Asia-Pacific region by creating opportunities and visibility for young female golfers. Growing up, I followed the championship closely and always saw it as one of the biggest goals for an amateur golfer in this region. Just qualifying to play was once a dream, so winning, it felt surreal. It shows young girls that pathways exist and big dreams are achievable,” she added.

Three other Malaysian amateurs, Charlayne Chong Shin Ling, Nur Maisara Sa’ad and Foong Zi Yu will join Jeneath in New Zealand as 83 players from 28 countries are set to contest the championship which was developed by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) and The R&A to nurture talent and provide a pathway for the region’s elite women amateurs to the international stage.

A total of 13 players from the top-50 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking and 26 from the top-100, including world No. 12 Soomin Oh from the Republic of Korea and world No. 15 Rianne Malixi of the Philippines will headline the 2026 edition alongside Jeneath.

The inaugural WAAP champion was Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand in 2018, who has since become the current women’s World No. 1 in the professional game.

The WAAP offers life-changing opportunities to the winner, including exemptions into three major championships in 2026 – the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, the Amundi Evian Championship in France and the Chevron Championship in the United States of America.

The winner will also receive invitations to a handful of other elite championships such as the Hana Financial Group Championship, ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open, The 123rd Women's Amateur Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

— BERNAMA