It’s double the motivation for top golfer Gavin

PETALING JAYA: National No. 1 golfer Gavin Green (pic) will headline a 30-strong domestic line-up at next week’s US$1mil (RM 4.7mil) IRS Prima Malaysian Open.

The two-time Olympian not only has his sights on becoming the first Malaysian to lift the Seagram Trophy but also securing qualification for the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

“My best memory of the Malaysian Open was when I finished as a low amateur in 2013, in tied 22nd spot with a total score of six-under,” said the 30-year-old, who turned pro in 2015.

“This time, it will be a memorable occasion for the family as it would be the first time that my brother (Galven) and I are in the field together as professionals,” said Gavin in a statement released by the organisers.

Other noteworthy Malaysians to watch out for at The Mines Resort and Golf Club are Ben Leong, Shariffuddin Ariffin, Ervin Chang, Danny Chia, Amir Nazrin Jailani, Nicholas Fung, Khor Kheng Wai, Paul San and Daeng Abdul Rahman Abd Aziz.

Ben and Shahriffuddin both retained their Asian Tour cards by finishing in the top 65 on the Order of Merit last year while Ervin is set for his rookie season after earning a promotion through last year’s Asian Development Tour.

Two spots were also up for grabs through the Professional Golfers Association of Malaysia one-day qualifier at the Seri Selangor Golf Club on Jan 31 and were won by Danial Faidz and Nor Heikal Nor Hadi.

For the four local amateur spots, the Malaysian Golf Association had filled them with Anson Yeo, Hariz Hezri, Zia Iqmal Abdul Rashid and A. Nateeshvar.

Among the notable names who gained entry through sponsors’ invitations were seasoned campaigners Airil Rizman Zahari, Sukree Othman, Jeremiah Kim and V. Khavish Varman, a member of the 2021 SEA Games gold-medal winning team.