Kuala Lumpur: National amateur Galven Kendall Green continues his golfing education this week when he steps out of his older sibling’s oversized shadow at the Maybank Malaysian Open.
The 15-year-old Galven, one of four amateurs in the elite which includes his brother Gavin, has been walking around all week with a big smile on his face as he prepares to make his debut in the US$3 million championship, sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours.
“I feel really excited,” said Galven, who is a Year 11 student. “I’ll definitely be nervous but I’ll have to calm myself down (on Thursday). I have to overcome my fears.”
The teenager has won numerous age-group amateur tournaments and takes great pride that he can tee up in the same tournament alongside 21-year-old Gavin, who has been long touted as the future of Malaysian golf.
With his father Gary on caddying duty, Galven hopes to play in all four rounds this week and has tapped on his brother’s past experiences at the Maybank Malaysian Open in hope of finding an edge.
“All I have to do is stay patient throughout the week and do the best that I can do and have fun,” he said.
“I’ve been watching him (Gavin) over the last few years which have given me a good knowledge on what it will be like. He has told me about the firm greens and thick rough and he’s said ‘don’t be afraid and to be yourself’ when you get out there.”
Gavin, in his final year at the University of New Mexico, enjoyed the honour of finishing as the best Malaysian with a tied 22nd finish in 2013 and was joint 47th last year at the Maybank Malaysian Open.
He can’t wait to see how his brother fares this week. “I’ve always dreamt about that, but I never thought we’ll play together in the same event as amateurs. I always thought that I would be a pro by then. I’m excited to see what happens,” said Gavin.
The tricky 16th hole has proven to be a bane for Gavin as he dropped seven shots on that hole alone last year.
“In the practice round on Monday, I hit in the water again!” said Gavin. “I don’t know what I’m going to do there. I think I won’t be aggressive, play with the hole, don’t be too aggressive. I’m going to lay up and not go for it. If I’m going for it, it’s a comfortable three wood, if not I’ll lay up with a five iron. But that’s what I said last year.
“It’s always good to play the national Open again. I’m trying to focus and play my game and prepare the way I would like in another tournament. I need to have a solid mindset and stick to my game plan and see where it goes.”
