Rookie pro Abel ready to go further

Abel Tam is aiming for a strong finish at the PGM Terengganu Championships. - filepic

PETALING JAYA: Rookie professional Abel Tam is aiming for a strong finish at the PGM Terengganu Championship which gets underway at the Resorts World Kijal on Thursday.

The 22-year-old, who turned pro earlier this year, have managed four cuts in five starts this season.

While Abel is pleased with how things have gone for him so far, he also admitted that there are several challenges he finds hard to cope with in the Asian Development Tour (ADT).

“The season has been pretty decent for me, I started well in a few of the events but struggled to finish strong,” said Abel.

“I am confident of doing better but I know it takes time. I think my biggest challenge is to stay focused.”

After missing out on an Asian Tour card in his first attempt at the Qualifying School in February, Abel believes the best way to prove himself again would be to excel on the ADT.

“Playing on the ADT gives me the opportunities to play competitively at a higher level and gain the much-needed experience,” said Abel.

“I will also need to make the most out of it to earn (one of five) playing rights in next year’s Asian Tour.”

Apart from Abel, Order of Merit winner Nicholas Fung, one-time Asian Tour winner Ben Leong and young talent Arie Irawan will make up the local challenge.

Golfers from over 16 countries, including past ADT winners Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand, the United States’ Brett Munson and England’s Grant Jackson will also converge at the RM200,000 event.