Kuala Lumpur: Local hope Rashid Ismail hopes to carve another memorable milestone in his career as he aims for a dream pairing with Phil Mickelson at the lucrative US$7 million CIMB Classic which starts on Thursday. 

The Malaysian will be among an elite 78-man field including multiple Major champions Mickelson, Ernie Els of South Africa and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

“I would like to play with Phil Mickelson. I know he will outdrive me by over 50 metres but it doesn’t matter!” said the 40-year-old Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM) member.

He represented Malaysia in the World Cup of Golf in Argentina with Danny Chia in 2000 and is relishing the rare opportunity of playing with some of the best players in the world at the CIMB Classic.

“I can’t afford to play in the United States so this event is really meaningful to me. This event gives me the opportunity to rub shoulders with the top players. The last time I played in such a big event was at the 2000 World Cup of Golf where David Duval and Tiger Woods won. This will be my second best moment in my life,” smiled Rashid.

“This is the chance to look closely at their game, how the practice, how they think, how they control their nerve and how they react to the spectators. You need to counter all these situations to become a true champion,” he added.

Despite struggling with a swollen tendon in his right hip, Rashid battled through the pain barrier to win the SapuraKencana National Qualifier in August to earn a spot at the CIMB Classic.

“I’m still injured so I have to be careful and play smart. I won’t push too hard on par fives and play some regulation golf. It has really slowed down this year but it feels like it is healing and I hope to do my best,” explained Rashid.