SERI KEMBANGAN – Malaysia’s Gavin Green is on a specific mission at the Malaysian Open as he tees off tomorrow at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
His aim? To secure a coveted top-three finish, thereby clinching a spot in the revered British Open.
Last month, the Asian Tour unveiled that this tournament serves as a qualifying event for the British Open, scheduled to take place from July 18-21 at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland.
Among the competitors, the top-three finishers, who have yet to punch their ticket to The Open, will earn the prestigious opportunity to participate in the world’s oldest golf tournament.
“All players have the potential to get those three spots and yes for me, I’m focused on finishing in the top three.
“There is always a chance but there are so many good players that you have to beat here.
“My practice has been solid, my caddie and I have discussed with each other how to formulate a solid game plan to tackle this course, which I believe we have, and now it is just a matter of executing it on the day,” said the 30-year-old.
Green will lead a total of 30 local golfers trying to contest for the title that no Malaysian has won since its inception in 1962.
The closest candidate was P. Gunasegaran, who tied for second place with New Zealander Frank Nobilo in 1994 at the Royal Selangor Golf Club.
“Every Malaysian has a chance (to win), but to execute it and finish the job is the hard part.
“If you play well and somebody else plays better, there is nothing you can do about it. But we are all going to give 100% (to win) and hopefully, the result will come,” said the Kuala Lumpur-born Green.
Trevor Simsby from the United States is the defending champion, having won the tournament in 2020 held at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club just before the pandemic hit, which was shortened to 54 holes due to bad weather.
“It is nice to be back here in Malaysia after four years. This is my first time at this golf course and I think the back nine is nice… there are some good water fixtures there,” said the American.
“The strategy here is to position yourself well from the tee shot and this course will be a good test for all players here.”
After a four-year hiatus, the tournament returns, offering a US$1 million (RM4.7 million) prize pool. – February 14, 2024