IN FOCUS: Can Singapore's athletes achieve their sporting dreams via colleges in the US?

SINGAPORE: Even as a child, James Leow knew he wanted to be a professional golfer.

"Playing junior golf and all, I've always been very competitive. And I've always wanted the best out of myself, striving to get better and better," said Leow.

And so in 2018, the Singaporean headed to Arizona State University – a school that produced the likes of ex-world No 1 Jon Rahm and six-time Major winner Phil Mickelson.

This would provide him with the experience and the tools he needed, added Leow, who graduated last year and has turned pro.

"The first reason I went there was because I knew most of the pro golfers on the PGA Tour graduated from these colleges,” said Leow. “It was a good testament to the high level of golf or elite golf competition that is in the US."

Leow is not alone, as the American collegiate route is one which some Singaporean athletes, including former Olympic champion Joseph Schooling, have taken over the years.

The trend has continued in recent times, with athletes across a range of sports furthering their development as well as their academic education in the US.

There are various reasons why young local athletes opt for the US, but those who CNA spoke to said the college system provides a good sport-academics balance and a strong competitive environment.

"I wanted to continue to study in a uni which ... had a balance between my academics and swimming. If I prioritised those two, I think the only locations I came to were US and Singapore," said swimmer Jonathan Tan, who will enrol at California's Stanford University later this year on a partial scholarship.

"There were a few (schools) that reached out to me, but I came up with my own list ... What I did was during my first year of NS (was that) I emailed the coach