Singaporean James Leow is ready for a home challenge at the Singapore Open presented by The Business Times later this month, carrying momentum from International Series Japan at Caledonian Golf Club this week.
He opened with two under-par rounds to play the weekend, coming off a tied 15th finish at the recent Philippine Golf Championship. Leow is also building on a breakthrough to close 2025, when he won the season-ending Aramco Invitational on the Asian Development Tour with a closing 63, a result that lifted him to fourth on the final ADT Order of Merit and secured his 2026 Asian Tour card.
Despite heading into Sunday tied 52nd on one-under-par 212, he is sticking with the priorities that have guided his progress so far: cleaner execution, stronger putting, and a mindset that keeps him moving forward. “It’s progress forward… I’m trying to win tournaments,” said Leow.
In Japan, he said the next gains are coming from the areas that decide where you sit on Sunday. “Today I had one four-putt and one three-putt,” he said. “Putting cost me probably three strokes. I’ll get some rest, then spend time on the putting green and make sure I’m mentally sound.”
A different kind of focus is needed with a home tournament upcoming. The Singapore Open presented by The Business Times returns to Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course from 23–26 April as part of The International Series.
“The last times I played at Sentosa were as an amateur on the national team,” said Leow.
He expects the home nerves, but believes the difference now is how he manages them. “As a pro it’s learning to manage expectations, focus on your core strategy, and be more mentally sound so you can follow your strategy and not be too tense,” he said.
Leow’s pathway has included US college golf at Arizona State University, where he played alongside current LIV Golf League Fireballs GC members Josele Ballester and David Puig. Ballester’s confirmed appearance at The Singapore Open presented by The Business Times sets up a reunion at Sentosa, where Leow will meet his former Sun Devil teammate again.
