Fresh off a week competing against some of the world’s elite at the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Liyana Durisic carries immense momentum and confidence directly into the LPGA Q-Series Qualifying Stage this week at Plantation Golf & Country Club.

The Malaysian professional capped off a solid week at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, finishing tied for 66th with a 72-hole total of 2-over par 290 (67-73-76-74). The appearance marked her third career start in the LPGA Tour event and she yielded her best performance.

Durisic earned her spot in the Maybank Championship field by claiming one of five exemption slots awarded through the two-day ASEAN Qualifier, which featured top players from across 11 ASEAN nations. She opened the Maybank Championship in dramatic fashion, firing a bogey-free round of 5-under 67 to surge up the leaderboard early.

Though the course proved challenging over the weekend, Durisic battled back with a steadying 1-under performance on her final nine holes Sunday to post a 74, drawing energy from the home crowd.

"The week was so great," Durisic said after her final round. "I'm so glad to have my brother and friend on my bag. Obviously, everyone shouting 'Liyana, Liyana,' it was very heartwarming to see, especially little girls and kids. It's been a really fun week."

The strong showing in Malaysia provided a crucial confidence boost as Durisic immediately packed her bags for a long haul across the globe.

"If anything, I played 5-under on the first day feeling super nervous," Durisic noted regarding what she takes into Q-Series. "That means I can do it, and if I just keep my head calm and focus on missing them in the right spots at the next course, I think I'm all set. There were still so many positives compared to last year and this year. I think I'm improving as a golfer, so I'm excited to just do better next week and hopefully end up playing this tour at some point."

Durisic, a former collegiate star at Iowa State University, built a reputation for consistency and resilience, serving as a primary anchor for the Cyclones' women's golf program. During her time in Ames, she routinely competed against top NCAA Division I talent, honing the sharp tee-to-green game that helped her transition seamlessly into the professional game.

Durisic earned her entry into this week's Qualifying Stage after navigating the LPGA Q-Series Pre-Qualifying Stage in California earlier this year. Competing at Indian Wells Country Club, she posted rounds of 71, 70, and 72 for a 3-under par total of 213, finishing tied for 22nd to advance to the next stage.

Now in Florida, Durisic enters a competitive 72-hole stroke play format running Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Nov. 6 at Plantation Golf & Country Club, rescheduled from its original October dates following heavy rainfall in the region.

The field includes 103 athletes that advance from Pre-Qualifying along 95 athletes with direct exemptions into this stage. Competitors will rotate across both the Bobcat and Panther courses with no cut line.

The stakes in Venice are high: top finishers—the top 55 players and ties—will advance to the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying Stage set for Nov. 19–23 in Mobile, Alabama, where LPGA Tour membership cards for the upcoming season will be officially awarded.

For Durisic, the quick turnaround from Malaysia to Florida is just another step in her pursuit of full-time status on the world's top women's golf tour. Armed with international momentum and a proven track record, she turns her attention to the fairways of Venice.

Riding Maybank Momentum, Liyana Durisic Ready for LPGA Q-Series Challenge

Related Articles