Malacca: Shaaban Hussin will be hope to rediscover his winning form on the domestic Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) at the PGM-ADT Masters @ A’Famosa starting tomorrow following a recent string of good performances.
The lanky Malaysian has been in good form since the start of the season and he will be expected to spearhead the local charge at the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event at the A’Famosa Golf Resort in Malacca.
The talented Shaaban was the sole Malaysian to make the weekend cut at last month’s star-studded Maybank Malaysian Open and he also enjoyed a tied 13th finish at the weather-shortened ISPS Handa Singapore Classic after leading into the final round.
“It feels great to have had a break after five straight weeks of tournament play in between March and April. I was able to recollect my thoughts and focus my attention on the upcoming challenges. It’s been a while since I won on the domestic circuit and a good finish this week will definitely help me move up the PGM Order of Merit,” said the 2011 PGM Terengganu Classic victor.
Other local hopefuls at the third leg of this season’s ADT Schedule include reigning PGM Tour numero uno R.Nachimuthu, who has clinched two victories in his last three PGM Tour starts and 2010 ADT Order of Merit winner S. Sivachandhran.
Notable local absentees include Danny Chia, who has accepted an invitation to play in the flagshup Japan PGA Championship Nissin Cupnoodles Cup at the Karasuyamajo Country Club in Tokyo.
Australia’s Luke Bleumink, whose win at the PGM Johor Masters a month back hoisted him to the top of the current ADT Order of Merit will hope to continue his winning streak and put the spotlight on the international field which includes the likes Lindsay Renolds of Canada, Michael Bibat of the Philippines, Greg Moss of the United States and Japan’s Ryuji Miyazaki.
Singapore’s Lam Zhiqun is tipped to put up a strong challenge alongside compatriot Quincy Quek, both making the relatively short journey across the Causeway for the event.
The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals.
