Kuala Lumpur: National amateur Gavin Kye Green once again underlined his immense potential with an impressive display at the Maybank Malaysian Open, which concluded Sunday.
The 19-year-old sophomore from Universtity of New Mexico signed off his campaign at the weather-shortened US$2.75 million tournament with a flawless three-under 69 to finish with a creditable share of 22nd on six-under 210 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
In only his third amateur start at the prestigious Asian and European Tours co-sanctioned tournament, the reigning national amateur champion was the toast of the nation as he not only advanced into the weekend rounds for the first time but finished as the top-placed Malaysian in the field, ahead of seasoned campaigners Danny Chia and S. Murthy.
Chia posted a final round of one-over 73 to settle for a 215 overall while Murthy endured a frustrating day in the office, dropping six shots around the turn to close with a 79, slumping down the leaderboard for a tied 65th finish.
Returning on Sunday morning with only eight holes to complete after the third round was suspended due to inclement weather yesterday, Green tapped in for a seven-foot birdie on the par-three 11th in a otherwise quiet round.
“I played well again today. After that birdie, I didn’t make anything. I gave myself chances but I couldn’t do much. I stayed in the zone and tried to do my thing but nothing dropped, that’s alright,” said Green.
Despite falling a little short of his initial target to break into the top-20, the long-hitting youngster was proud of his effort on the biggest stage of them all.
“It was a good week for me. I only expected to make the cut when I arrived. Other than it was good. I wish we would have four rounds. That would been better for me. This is still good. The course was in good condition and the galleries were good. Jetlag kicked in a bit but I learned a lot,” he added.
Green displayed admirable maturity in handing the experience notwithstanding the increased attention from the media and the large gallery following his every step on the course. “I’m enjoying the media coverage and the support from the impressive gallery. I didn’t expect so many people and I really want to thank them for coming out,” noted Green.
Despite his eye-catching performance in his last two professional event appearances, he reiterated that his attention will remain on completing his business degree and helping his university team, the Lobos to win the NCAA national championship.
“It gives me confidence. It tells me that I can play with the professionals but I’ve learned that I got to hit better irons shots. Playing college golf helps me a bit on mental side. I still have two years in college and then we will see what happens,” said Green, who was also the best-placed Malaysian in December’s Iskandar Johor Open on the Asian Tour.
Leading the praises for the youngster was Chia, who shared that Green may well be end the clamour for a home champion. “The Malaysian players have been criticised for many years and I always felt that we can do better. But this week was good because we have Gavin playing nicely and Murthy challenging at one point.
“I’ve played with him a few times and that kid has phenomenal talent, so hopefully we don’t need to wait that long for a first Malaysian winner at the Maybank Malaysian Open,” said the Malaysian number one professional.
