Shah Alam: Competing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) has given the confidence to unheralded Malaysian Khor Kheng Hwai to eclipse the stars from the Asian Tour at this week’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters.
Since 2008, the 26-year-old Malaysian has relied on his country exemption status to earn playing opportunities on the Asian Tour where he has tasted very little success. But the formation of the ADT last year has given him a steady platform to enhance and better his game.
“Playing on the ADT and local events gives me a lot of confidence and makes me feel more comfortable. These tournaments have given me a little a bit more edge compared to previous years,” said Khor.
He will be among a strong local line-up in the RM1.2 million showpiece (approximately US$400,000) at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club which includes Ben Leong, winner of the Worlwide Holdings Selangor Masters in 2008, Danny Chia, who has won once on the Asian Tour and the experienced Iain Steel.
Khor turned professional in 2006 and plied his trade on the Thailand circuit for two years before earning several starts on the Asian Tour. His best result was a tied 40th placing at the 2009 Indonesian Open but he readily admits he needs to be more consistent to excel against the best from the region.
“Consistency has been one of my weak points. I haven’t been hitting enough of fairways. On average I will hit nine out of 14 fairways but the next day I will only hit three fairways. That’s a big point and factor in my result,” said the slightly built Khor.
He said travelling with mentor and good friend Danny Chia has helped shape his game. “I’ve been travelling with Danny and he has been helping me a lot. He gives me a lot of guidance because I’m fairly new to touring life and it’s nice to have a friend when you travel overseas,” said Khor.
Leong’s career took flight when he won the 2008 Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters where he out-duelled Thai strongman Thongchai Jaidee at the Seri Selangor Golf Club.
He believes he has improved technically since his victory and will be eyeing that elusive second Asian Tour title at Kota Permai.
“I’m a lot better technically than compared to 2008,” said Leong. “I just need to put everything together in place. Mentally, I may not be as good right now and maybe I’m just lacking in a bit of confidence.
“My game is coming back. I’m swinging well and practising well. I just have to stay patient and wait for that one week to come. Trying to win again, that’s tough. Once you win the second one, I think it will be easier to win the third one,” he added.
Steel will be chasing for an elusive maiden title on the Asian Tour. He finished third in the 2008 edition and reckons Kota Permai Club will be the ideal hunting ground for his maiden victory.
“The course is in good shape. I have always liked this golf course but I wish my game was in better shape. My long term goal has always been to win whenever I play,” said Steel. – www.asiantour.com
