KUALA LUMPUR: Promising talent Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz hopes to make an impression when he tees up his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) appearance outside of Malaysia at the Singha Phuket Open on Thursday.

The 17-year-old Daeng, who turned professional in March, will be joined by American Brett Munson and Martin Dive of Australia, placed first and second respectively on the current Order of Merit, in the ฿2,000,000 (approximately US$58,140) ADT event.

They will face a stiff challenge from the home front, spearheaded Asian Tour veteran Thaworn Wiratchant, Danthai Boonma, Poom Saksansin, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Rattanon Wannasrichan – all winners on the Asian Tour – at the highly-rated Laguna Golf Phuket.

Daeng, who hails from Johor, showed glimpses of his potential when he claimed a top-10 finish on the ADT in March, two weeks after joining the play-for-pay ranks. He impressed again by winning his first professional title on the domestic Tour one month later.

Prior to turning professional, Daeng has enjoyed a successful amateur career, winning a professional tournament on his local circuit when he was still an amateur at a record young age of 15.

“I arrived in Phuket yesterday and came straight to play 18 holes here. Some holes are quite short out there but you need to be cautious of the wind. If I can handle the wind, I should be able to score. This is my first ADT event overseas so I am very excited.

“I have had a great start to my professional career, winning my first professional title in just my second start on home soil. I am hoping to go one step further now so the next aim is to win on the ADT,” said Daeng, who sits in a current 34th place on the ADT Order of Merit.

“It’s not going to be an easy week, playing against such a strong field, especially the top professionals from Thailand. Having said that, it won’t be too much of a pressure for me. I just want to focus on my game,” added the country’s former top amateur.