PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Gavin Kyle Green swung his way into the record books when he became the first amateur golfer to win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
The 20-year-old accomplished the feat in grand fashion, closing the final round of the RM250,000 PGM Vascory Templer Park Championship on Saturday with a flawless eight-under 64 for a sensational 11-stroke victory over compatriot Airil Rizman Zahari.
And not only that, Gavin also rewrote a new 72-hole scoring record on the ADT with his four-day total of 26-under 262 at the Templer Park Country Club.
“This win means a lot to me. It shows that I can compete with the professionals out there,” said Gavin, who intends to turn pro after completing his final year studies at the University of New Mexico in the United States.
“I’m planning to play in a few more amateur events before going back to school in August. Hopefully, I can continue to stay consistent with my game.”
The 2012 Malaysian Amateur Open champion, who went into the final round with a nine-stroke lead, made a brilliant start with an eagle on the first hole before securing another two birdies on the seventh and ninth.
On the back nine, he sunk three consecutive birdies from the 12th before signing off with another birdie on the 17th.
“I didn’t make any mistakes today and my game was solid,” said Gavin.
“I stayed patient and gave myself chances. I was feeling pretty confident going into the final round. I tried not to think so much about winning and just focused on my game out there,” added Gavin, whose previous best finish in a pro tournament was joint sixth at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters last year.
The 36-year-old Airil, a one-time Asian Tour winner, shot a 65 for sole second spot on 273 while Thailand’s Kwanchai Tannin finished three shots back in third after a 69.
With Gavin not eligible for the prize money, Airil took home the RM43,760 top purse.
Malaysian Nicholas Fung, the title holder and reigning Order of Merit champion, slipped to tied 15th after a disappointing 73 for a 282 total.
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