Natasha Andrea Oon's first professional start may not have gone the way she had hoped, but the young Malaysian talent is taking it all in as part of a learning curve.

The 20-year-old rookie professional missed the halfway cut at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give by three shots, her impressive second round 69 failing to make up for a nervy opening 76.

"It feels absolutely surreal to be playing as a professional. I think it's nice that it is still just golf, but the level that these people take their jobs to is amazing. I have learnt much more this week for sure," she said.

Natasha paid tribute to Malaysian ladies' number one Kelly Tan, a nine-year LPGA Tour veteran, for showing her the ropes at Blythefield Country Club in Michigan. They also played a practice round together.

"Kelly has been my big sis the whole time this week! She gave me much more than just advice, to be honest. She gave me tons of insight during the practice round, brought us out to eat this week, and just was so open to any questions anytime," said Natasha, who enjoyed a superb amateur career with San José State University befor joining the paid ranks.

"She even helped me with my clubs on the range and stayed with me through the whole process. Kelly has inspired me to do this for someone else, if I ever get the chance. I'm so glad that I get to look up to someone like her," she added.

Kelly is confident that Natasha will succeed on the LPGA Tour. "I have no doubt that she will do amazing out here. It's just a matter of being comfortable.

“I'm excited to be her big sister, to help her and guide her through it all. When I first came out here, it was tough. I learnt a lot by myself but it took a long time, and I hope she doesn't have to go through that ... and I'll be there for her,” Kelly noted in an interview with the LPGA Tour.

Natasha's next LPGA start will be at the AmazingCre Portland Classic at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Oregon this September 15-18, following which she will play in the second stage of LPGA Q-School on October 18-21.  "I'm still figuring out my schedule. I know Q-School is up there and the AmazingCRE Portland Classic," she said.

Natasha gets into the two LPGA events and Q-School Stage 2 as the recipient of the 2022 Inkster Award Presented by Workday, given to the highest-ranked women’s NCAA Division I golfer in her final year of eligibility. The award is named after American legend Juli Inkster, who was a three-time All-American at San José State from 1979 to 1982.

The award includes a two-day mentorship retreat with Inkster, which Natasha is understandably absolutely stoked about. "Juli is the most competitive person you will ever meet but one of the most fun as well.

"I'm excited to just learn from Juli in general, because she has done a ton for women's golf ... and is still doing a ton! She is an inspiration to us all, and just to know her and talk to her is an unbelievable experience. I'm extremely lucky!"