Grace only has eyes for title

HISTORY-MAKER Branden Grace aims to be third time lucky when he tees up at the US$7 million (RM29.5 million) CIMB Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur on Oct 12-15.

The 29-year-old South African star, who is among 10 President Cup team members headlining the only official PGA Tour FedExCup tournament in Southeast Asia, finished tied-17th and tied33rd in his first two appearances in Malaysia.

And he is determined to make it all the way to the top this time, even if it means dethroning World No 4 and two-time defending champion Justin Thomas of the United States, who was crowned the new FedExCup No 1 on Sunday.

“I have enjoyed competing in the CIMB Classic previously and I look forward to returning to TPC Kuala Lumpur which is a wonderful golf course.

“As professional golfers, we have the opportunity to play in many great places and with the CIMB Classic celebrating its eighth edition, its longevity shows the game is flourishing in Malaysia and Asia which is terrific news for the players. I’ll be going over with the intention to try and win the golf tournament,” said Grace.

He has a knack of playing his way into golf ’s history books.

In July, Grace, ranked 42nd in the world, became the first man to shoot a magical 62 during the third round of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

“It underlined his major pedigree as it was his fifth top-10 at the majors over the past three seasons.”

A graduate of the Ernie Els Foundation, which recognises and helps nurture young golfers, Grace grew up idolising Tiger Woods and early into his professional career, he burst onto the scene in Tiger-esque style by becoming the first player in European Tour history to win his first four titles in the same season.

Then two years ago, Grace became only the fifth player to achieve a perfect 5-0-0 record at the Presidents Cup where he represented the International Team.

The other President Cup members who will feature in the CIMB Classic include American stars Thomas and Patrick Reed, India’s Anirban Lahiri, Argentinean Emiliano Grillo, Adam Hadwin of Canada, Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuala, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim, and Grace’s countrymen Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.

With the Internationals fired up to beat Team USA at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey this week, Grace is planning to reprise his best form and be among the victorious International members to head to the CIMB Classic, which forms part of the PGA Tour’s 2017-18 season.

Tickets for the CIMB Classic are now on sale on www.ticketpro.com.my, Ticket Pro sales channels and selected MST Golf Stores in the Klang Valley.