Trio of elite Singapore golfers bag scholarship from Switzerland’s EFG Bank
James Leow, Aloysia Atienza and Brayden Lee to use funds for overseas competition, coaching advice
THEY may be at different stages in their lives, but thanks to a generous scholarship, three elite young Singapore golfers are set to embark on the same route towards a glowing career in the sport.
The Singapore branch of Swiss private bank EFG Bank, in partnership with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), recently announced that Aloysa Atienza, Brayden Lee and James Leow were selected to receive the EFG-SGA Elite Young Golfers Scholarship.
The 26-year-old Leow was an individual gold medallist at the 2019 South-east Asian Games in the Philippines, earning him the distinction of claiming Singapore’s first individual golf gold in three decades.
Atienza, 24, won a silver medal at last year’s SEA Games in Vietnam to cap a remarkable debut at the regional event. And Lee, who is 16, finished first at the 2022 EFG/SICC Junior Invitational Golf Championship (B Division) held at the Singapore Island Country Club.
In a news release, EFG Bank and SGA said the scholarship was designed to support young golfers who demonstrate sporting ability, leadership qualities, have participated in recognised golf competitions, and show potential to become positive role models.
Leow, who turned professional earlier this year, is now preparing for events in the United States, including the All Pro Tour, Asher Tour, several Korn Ferry Monday qualifiers, and US PGA Tour pre-qualifiers.
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He said the sponsorship will give him the means to hire a mental coach in the US, as well as continue to retain the services of his swing coach and fitness trainer.
Leow was also chosen as this year’s Elite Young Golfer Ambassador, and this role will see him represent EFG at various golf events and activities, including golf tournaments, community service projects and other public events.
Atienza, a civil engineering graduate from the National University of Singapore, is taking part at this month’s SEA Games in Cambodia.
She also plans to head to the US to compete in a few tournaments, including the US Women’s Amateur Open, with the aim of turning professional at the end of the year.
“I know that the professional road is a tough one, but hopefully things work out right so that I can raise my standards through international competitions and help from coaches and trainers,” said Atienza, who is ranked in the world’s top 250 amateur golfers.
Lee, a student at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) who is preparing for this year’s ‘O’ Levels, has a plus-2 handicap and is seen as one of Singapore golf’s brightest young prospects.
The teenager picked up the sport by chance, having accompanied his father to the Toa Payoh Driving Range when he was four years old. His interest in golf was piqued, and he soon started lessons to hone his ability.
Lee, who said his best showing to date was his three sub-par rounds at an event last year at the Orchid Country Club, intends to use the scholarship to support his training and pay for strength conditioning sessions at the gym.
Albert Chiu, the executive chairman of EFG Bank (Asia-Pacific), said: “As entrepreneurs in their own right, the three golfers have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their sport, and we are convinced that they will go from strength to strength and continue to excel in this area.”
SGA president Tan Chong Huat said he was grateful for EFG’s commitment to “investing in the next generation of golfing champions” from Singapore.
“Over the next few months, SGA will continue to work with partners to support golf development in Singapore as well as roll out a new initiative to look into the development pathways of our athletes from amateurs to pros,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing these bright stars shine in the years to come and bring glory to Singapore.”
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