Gavin’s hard work lands him Asian title

THROUGH perseverance and hard work, Gavin Green has made Malaysia proud by becoming the nation’s first professional to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

But it wasn’t easy as the 23-year-old had to endure a rollercoaster ride of a year, including the death of his grandfather, Gerald.

The big hitter, who will turn 24 on Dec 28, sealed his win in finishing tied 19th at the Joburg Open in South Africa on Monday after firing rounds of 70-67-70-70 (10-under-par 277) to claim US$13,277.41 (RM54,082) for a total of US$585,813 (RM2.39 million) from 17 tournaments all season long.

Gavin’s journey began when he came off a promising 2016 by winning twice on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) before finishing second on ADT’s money list to secure his 2017 card.

“I started off okay in the season, then the Hero Indian Open came along and I finished second. I stayed in it there, remained patient and then the win came,” said Gavin, who finished second at the Hero Indian Open in March.

Gavin’s performance in India sparked a brilliant run of form where he would go on to secure a tied-second place at the Yeangder Heritage, joint 10th at the Thailand Open and winning the Taiwan Masters in October.

“It was very emotional for me after my grandfather passed away, especially after the win in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters. Coming into the last couple of events, I really wanted to close it but it was so tough because I had so much on my mind.”

“It was frustrating I didn’t shut the door earlier. I went out and did my own thing and things clicked well. It has been a long journey but there’s a lot of happiness. The title win is overwhelming and it will be huge for my career. Hopefully from here, I just keep getting better.”

In finishing on top of the Order of Merit, Gavin has earned a fiveyear exemption on the Asian Tour and in a place in next year’s The Open as well as the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship.

He will also get to represent Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in January 2018.

I started off okay in the season, then the Hero Indian Open came along and I finished second.”

GAVIN GREEN