Korat [THAILAND]: Gavin Green will have one last chance to battle for the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit crown when he tees up for the season-ending Boonchu Ruangkit Championship next week.
The three-time ADT winner trails Order of Merit leader Johannes Veerman of the United States by US$3,516 in second place.
With the American not in the field next week, Green will aim to make the most of this opportunity to finish his season on a high.
The 22-year-old Malaysian will feature in the 3.5 million Baht (approximately US$100,114) ADT event alongside an impressive line-up of stars which includes Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee, who is eyeing a win to move into top-50 on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, former Asian Tour number one in 2013.
Defending champion Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand, who sensationally grabbed the last Asian Tour card on offer with his victory last season, will also be part of the strong local challenge together with Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Thitiphun Chuayprakong, Chapchai Nirat and Prom Meesawat, all winners on the region’s premier Tour.
Thai greats Thaworn Wiratchant and Prayad Marksaeng, who holds a combined total of 27 Asian Tour wins, will show their support to Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit by lending their star credentials at the Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club from December 22 to 25.
Green will reap the benefits of having the support of his family at the season finale this week as he aims to become the second Malaysian following Nicholas Fung in 2013 to win the Order of Merit crown.
“I have been resting as much as I can. It is the final event of the season so it is the last chance for me to try and win the Order of Merit. I am going out there to do my best and to play my own game. That’s all I can control. It is Christmas week so hopefully things will go my way,” said the big-hitting Green.
“My parents are here with me. We will be spending Christmas with together in Thailand which will be a good change. Whatever happens, it has been a great season as I have already earned my Asian Tour card for 2017.
“But it would still be nice to win and get the top spot. That will be a great birthday gift for myself too!” added Green, who turns 23 on December 28.
A total of 23 ADT winners will also be part of the elite field. Players will be vying to finish inside top-eight on the final Order of Merit to gain Asian Tour cards for 2017 as Veerman, Pavit and Poom, placed first, third and sixth, have already secured their playing rights through their successes on the Asian Tour this season.
Veerman managed to finish inside top-60 on the 2016 Asian Tour Order of Merit while Pavit and Poom have both claimed their breakthrough victories in Macao and Indonesia respectively on the region’s premier Tour this season.
