Gavin ready to roar after valuable tips from Rory
GAVIN Kyle Green hopes to put the roar back into his game after receiving some encouraging words from world No. 3 golfer Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during the Dubai Desert Classic two weeks ago.
“I talked to Rory on the putting green and he told me that it is a normal thing when you make the transition from an amateur to a professional. He also told me to just play golf and not to worry too much,” said the 21-yearold Gavin.
So, can McIlroy’s words of wisdom galvanise Gavin’s game when he tees off in the inaugural Maybank Championship Malaysia (MCM) today? Hopefully it will. Gavin has had to deal with a string of disappointments since turning pro last June.
Despite winning his first local professional title at the PGM Tour’s Danau Closed Championship last October, Gavin has struggled to impress in several Asian Tour and European Tour meets he was invited to play in.
The biggest disappointment was perhaps his failure to gain an Asian Tour membership through the Qualifying School in January.
“It was disappointing ... the Q-School is held only once a year,” said Gavin.
“But it did not affect my confidence. I’m still looking forward to this year ... there’s still a lot to play for.
“I can still get invites to tournaments on the Asian Tour and if I do well ... maybe I don’t have to go back to Q-School (by securing enough points to make the top 60 of the Order of Merit). The ADT will be another avenue.
“Anyway, my other focus is the (European) Challenge Tour, where I aim to be among the top 15 finishers to qualify for next season’s European Tour.”
Gavin began this season tied for 11th at the ADT Players’ Championship in Singapore.
He then missed the cut at the Singapore Open and was unable to make most of a big playing opportunity in the prestigious Dubai Dessert Classic because of fever.
“It was very unfortunate. I had sore throat and then fever on the eve of the tournament. I was struggling to play,” he said.
But with McIlroy’s words of encouragement still ringing in his ears, Gavin’s hoping that they will give him the boost he needs to get going at the Royal Selangor Golf Club today.