Nateesh takes aim at Masters dream
KUALA LUMPUR: Nateesh Ganesh will head to the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship with more than experience on his mind as he chases a breakthrough that could make him the first Malaysian to play in the Masters.
Nateesh Ganesh, a 21-year-old Malaysian golfer, is aiming to make history by becoming the first Malaysian to play in the Masters at Augusta National. The aspiring amateur will head to the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Te Arai Links in New Zealand from October 29 to November 1, carrying more than just experience in his pursuit of a breakthrough.
The winner of the tournament will earn an invitation to Augusta National and a spot in next year's British Open, a dream that has fueled Nateesh's drive since childhood. Born in Melaka, the junior at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles has grown his confidence after winning the UC San Diego Invitational at Torrey Pines in March. He also boasts five top-10 finishes this year, after missing the cut in 2021 and 2022, and finishing joint 63rd in 2023.
When Nateesh was just three, he developed a fascination with Tiger Woods, emulating his swings and dreaming of one day meeting the golf legend. His college coach, Jason D Amore, believes Nateesh's Torrey Pines victory has given him the self-belief to challenge the best players in the game. Nateesh himself is equally confident, stating that if he plays good golf, he feels he can beat anyone.
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