Jessica Korda will look to defend her title at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and follow the lead of her friend Justin Thomas who went back-to-back in Malaysia last week at the CIMB Classic.

“I’m just so happy to be here,” Korda said. “Malaysia is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s nice to see everybody come out and support this event. I hope that everybody comes out and just has a great time, because we do, and we love it here. So just really happy to be back.”

Korda heads to TPC Malaysia with momentum coming off her best finish of the season, a runner-up showing last week at the Blue Bay LPGA.

“Yeah, it was really nice to be in contention again,” Korda explained. “Things are starting to slowly fall together. I’ve changed coaches last year and been going through some changes and finally I’m seeing some putts drop, which I haven’t for most of this year. My ball-striking is good. So I’m just really excited to get this week started. I have three events left this season, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t looking forward to the off-season.”

Korda, who is one of three past Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia champions in the field, will be paired with Ha Na Jang and 2014 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Champion Shanshan Feng in the final group out at 9:56 local time.

ARIYA JUTANUGARN PLAYS WITH ROYALTY IN PRO-AM

Ariya Jutanugarn had the honor of playing in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia pro-am with the Queen of Malaysia Raja Permaisuri Angong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.

“After I found out (that I was going to play with her) I got really nervous and really excited,” Jutanugarn said. “She was really nice and friendly. She really loves golf and whoever hit the ball good she was really excited about that.”

So what did the number one player on the LPGA’s money list think of the Queen’s game?

“She’s a really good golfer,” Jutanugarn said. “She played pretty good. She made a few long putts and her tee shot is really straight.”

MALAYSIAN ANGELS EXCITED TO COMPETE AT SIME DARBY LPGA MALAYSIA

This season a record nine “Malaysian Angels” are in the field at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia led by their two Olympians – Kelly Tan and Michelle Koh.

“From the first year, Sime Darby has always been a great support with junior program and helped grow young juniors, and I’m not surprised to see nine girls out here,” Tan said. “I just hope and wish everybody the best of luck and have a great week.”

Providing opportunities for up-and-coming Malaysian golfers has been a top priority for the event since its inception with the creation of the Sime Darby LPGA Development Programme of which Tan and Koh are alums.

“As always, I’m very excited to be home and playing in the Sime Darby,” said Koh. “This year is a little bit different for us all because this is the largest representation by Malaysians and it’s great to have everyone here and I look forward to a great showing this week.”

The Malaysian Angels in the field competing this week; Aretha Pan, Nur Durriyah Damian, Ashley Lau, Winnie Ng, Kelly Tan, Michelle Koh, Ainil Bakar, Jean Chua, Natasha Oon

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“With what Steve Williams said, I can’t really say anything. It’s his opinion, and you know, it’s what he thinks. So what somebody else thinks is really out of my hands, so I guess I have to respect that. But I really think that some people might think I might have ended on bad terms with my former caddie, Jason.

But no, I really enjoyed working with him the past few years. Actually two years ago here was my first like official tournament with him full-time, so it’s been a lot of fun. But you know, I think sometimes change is a good thing, and you know, he’s working with another great player, Ha Na Jang, who I think has won three times this year. So all the best to that team, too.

But yeah, in regards to Steve Williams, I can’t really say anything because that’s his opinion. I think we all have to respect about what everybody else thinks.”

- Lydia Ko in response to Steve Williams’ comments on her switching caddies

Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Pre-Tournament Notes

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