Kuala Lumpur: National amateur Gavin Kyle Green emerged as the best Malaysian finisher for the second successive year at the Maybank Malaysian Open despite struggling to discover his best form at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
The 20-year-old University of New Mexico junior returned with a closing two-under 70 to settle for a share of 47th on one-over 289 alongside professionals Khor Kheng Hwai (71) and Nicholas Fung (73).
Starting on the back nine, Green struggled to get going with two bogeys in his opening three holes before firing three straight birdies through the sixth.
A double bogey on the seventh saw the lanky national make the turn on 37 but he recovered superbly with three gains on the front nine to settle for finish just short of an even-par performance.
“I felt it was a really good tournament because I played solid all week. I recovered well from the bad holes. My iron shots worked and I putted well but definitely, did not drive the ball to my expectations and did not convert as many putts as I should have over the weekend,” said the South East Asia (SEA) Games silver medallist.
Despite falling short of his initial target to improving on his tied 22nd last year when he finished six-under for the tournament, the long-hitting youngster was proud of his attitude after a frustrating week on the punishing West Course.
“I would put it down to a bit of heightened expectation on my part. I probably was trying a bit too hard to make ground on the last few holes each day but it didn’t always work out right.
“Overall, my attitude this week was really good because I flew in from back-to-back tournaments in the United States and while I played solid, it just didn’t click,” added Gavin, who shared that any talk about turning professional can wait until he finishes university next year.
Meanwhile, Malaysian number one Nicholas Fung issued a rallying call for his fellow professionals to compete more regularly on the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour.
With the country still waiting for a local to lift the prestigious Seagram Trophy, the 23-year-old Fung believes more of his peers must play abroad against tougher competition to sharpen their teeth.
“We need more Malaysians to compete with the Asian Tour, European Tour or even PGA Tour players. We have to watch how they play and learn from them. It is a good experience if we can go out and play.
“There is a different environment outside of Malaysia because the golf courses are designed differently. It is good for us to go out and play more. When we do that and come back to Malaysia, it will be a lot easier to play here.
The slightly built Fung achieved a personal milestone by making his first cut in the Malaysian Open in his seventh attempt.
“I have no complaints. This is the first time I made the cut so I’m happy with that. I’m looking forward to next year. I’m confident I can play better because of my performance this week,” said the Sabahan, who will feature in the Asian Tour’s CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters next week.
Khor was delighted to play in all four rounds in what is his third appearance at the Maybank Malaysian Open. A closing 71 left him with a big smile on his face.
“My confidence has certainly been lifted to another level. I would love to be a familiar face in the Maybank Malaysian Open. It has always been a challenge to play in this big event. I’m happy to be out here playing on a big stage,” said Khor.
