Japan’s Miyu Yamashita captured her second LPGA Tour title of the season with a dramatic playoff victory at the Maybank Championship 2025, held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). The 23-year-old rookie held her nerve in a tense finish, edging out Australian Hannah Green and Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi in a rain-delayed finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Tee-Off To Glory

Liyana Durisic.

Yamashita closed with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to join Green (68) and Choi (73) on 18-under 270, forcing a playoff reminiscent of the nine-hole epic that decided the tournament’s inaugural 2023 edition. Choi, who started the day with a four-shot cushion, narrowly missed a birdie putt on the 18th in regulation that would have sealed her maiden LPGA win.

After two lightning delays tested players’ patience, Yamashita produced a composed birdie on the first extra hole to lift the Tiger Trophy — and seal another statement victory following her triumph at the AIG Women’s Open earlier this year.

“It’s my first playoff on the LPGA Tour, so I was really nervous,” Yamashita admitted afterwards. “I always try to aim for a win in every tournament, and I’m very happy to have done it again this season. I’m grateful to my family, manager and sponsors for all their support — it means so much to me.”

Asian Stars Shine

Kelly Tan.

Thailand’s world number one Jeeno Thitikul finished tied fourth on 17-under, extending her streak of top-five finishes at KLGCC to three years. Defending champion Ruoning Yin of China put in a steady title defence, ending at 14-under after a final-round 70.

Malaysia’s Mirabel Ting drew local cheers with a composed four days of golf, finishing tied 49th at three-under to earn a place in an Epson Tour event through Maybank’s regional pathway initiative. Fellow Malaysians Kelly Tan and Genevieve Ling both finished tied 56th, while Ashley Lau and Liyana Durisic impressed with consistency and poise in front of home fans.

Maybank Group CEO Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli hailed the week as “a true celebration of collective strength”, commending Yamashita’s “focus and brilliance” and praising the event’s role in showcasing ASEAN talent.

With record crowds, inspired play and an atmosphere brimming with unity, the 2025 Maybank Championship once again proved that women’s golf in the region is on an unstoppable rise — powered by ambition, collaboration and shared passion.