By Lim Han Ming

SHE PLANS to turn professional in five years' time.

Joey Poh will have a good gauge of where she stands against the best golfers in the world when she tees off at the HSBC Women's Champions next month.

The 15-year-old Singapore Sports School student clinched the coveted host country invite when she finished tops in the two-day local qualifier at Tanah Merah Country Club's (TMCC) Garden Course yesterday.

She shot the day's best score of four-over 76 to finish on 155, four shots ahead of first-round leader Heng Su-Ann, who faltered with an 83.

Last year's qualifier Amelia Yong finished third on 160 (83-77).

'It was really good out on the course. The greens are really difficult and I had a hard time on the first day, but I was a lot more confident today,' said Joey.

Excited

'I am excited about playing with the top players next month and learning from them as I hope to turn professional in five years' time, so this will be a great experience for me.'

Starting the day three shots behind Heng, Joey was a picture of confidence as she narrowed the gap on her playing partner and took the lead on the back nine.

'My long putts were working and everything came together today,' said Joey. 'Hopefully I will not be so nervous anymore.'

Joey's victory is testament of the success of the HSBC Youth Golf Excellence Programme as she is one of 450 students who attend weekly training sessions under the programme as part of their school's Co-Curricular Activity.

Guy Harvey-Samuel, chief executive officer of HSBC Singapore, congratulated Joey on her win.

He said: 'Our hope is that Joey's fantastic win today will help inspire the fast growing female golfing community in Singapore, and that one day, a Singaporean will emerge as a world-class champion.'

Joey can now look forward to practising with Taiwan's world No. 2 golfer Tseng Ya-ni, who has promised to play practice rounds with whoever makes the cut.

TMCC will also provide Joey with complimentary rounds to help her prepare for the US$2 million ($3m) tournament from 5 to 8 March.

TMCC events director Edwin Khoo said: 'There is one winner today but the rest of you are also winners because of your willingness to come forward in the hope of qualifying for this world-acclaimed event.'

Joey can't wait to meet her favourite players such as world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer and Tseng.

'Paula, Lorena and Ya-ni are my favourite players because they are so calm on the course and they play really well,' she said.

'I would love to play on the LPGA Tour one day.'