KUCHING: Sixteen-year-old Amanda Chin has blazed a new trail for golf in the state by becoming the first Sarawakian to tee off for Malaysia in the Junior Open in United Kingdom from July 14 to 16.

The top state girl junior golfer will get to compete with budding golfers from over 60 nations — affiliated to the Royal & Ancient St Andrews, the governing body on rules of golf — at the tournament to be held at Hesketh Golf Club, Southport, and the experience and exposure can only be good for her game.

Each golfing nation is invited to send one Under-16 boy and girl golfer to the 54-hole event divided into three handicap categories – Three and under (Gold), Four to Nine (Silver) and 10 to 18 (Bronze).

Amanda (handicap 3) plays in the Gold category of this biennial event over three rounds of stroke play with a scratch and handicap element.

Players are grouped in world regions and prizes are awarded to regional winners.

The Junior Open is organised in conjunction with the Open Championship at nearby Royal Birkdale which the junior players will have the opportunity to attend after their own competition.

Amanda took up golf in 2000 when she was only eight.

After two years training under British pro David Vest, her game took a big leap forward and she won her first national title at the Karambunai Amateur Open in Sabah in November 2006.

In the same month, she also won her first international title at the Brunei Amateur Open.

The SMK Green Road student has a string of national and international titles under her belt, having played in countries like Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia and the US.

A highlight of her young career was winning the Chief Minister’s Cup 2008 (International) overall title, beating opponents from Thailand and Philippines.

At the recent Sukma XII in Terengganu, Amanda partnered Michelle Ting and Dianne Luke to scoop the bronze medal in the women’s category.