Asian Tour card within Galven’s reach, but old hand Nicholas loses his

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian golfer Galven Green kept alive his hopes of earning full playing rights on the Asian Tour after making it to the final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage in Hua Hin, Thailand, but it was over for seasoned campaigner Nicholas Fung.

The 24-year-old Galven carded a 70 in the fourth round yesterday to finish with a four-day total of two-under 284 for a share of 57th spot.

The top 70 golfers (including ties) after 72 holes will advance to the final round to play another 18 holes.

Ben Leong, Shahriffuddin Ariffin and Ervin Chang are already on the Asian Tour roster for 2024.

A total of 220 golfers took part in the first four rounds of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage this week, played at two different golf courses – Lakeview Resort and Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club.

Meanwhile, former Asian Tour winner Nicholas lost his Tour card after he missed the half-way cut with an eight-over 151.

The 33-year-old Nicholas, who ended the first two rounds in a share of 176th spot, said he struggled to cope with a wrist injury.

“Many have been wondering what is wrong, my swing looks good but my scores do not reflect my swing.

“Honestly, I have been struggling with a wrist injury and thumb extensor. Both are very painful when it comes time to time.

“It’s time for me to rest and recover. It’s not the end. I will come back stronger,” said the Sabah-born golfer, who thanked his sponsors and supporters who have been encouraging and supporting him all this while.

Leading scores after 72 holes

271: Justin Quiban (Phi) 69-68-70-64;

272: Carlos Pigem (Spa) 67-71-67-67;

274: Danthai Boonma (Tha) 71-68-68-67, Kristoffer Broberg (Swe) 71-69-68-66;

275: Wang Jeung-hun (Kor) 65-68-72-70, Jared Du Toit (Can) 72-74-63-66, Shogenji Tatsunori (Jpn) 69-73-65-68;

Selected

284: Galven Green (Mas) 73-70-71-70;

287: Khavish Varadan (Mas) 74-69-73-71;

289: Paul San (Mas) 74-73-70-72;

151: Bryan Teoh (Mas) 77-74, Nicholas Fung (Mas) 78-73;

153: Amir Nazrin (Mas) 75-78.