Daeng eager to stamp his mark outside Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Talented Daeng Abdul Rahman is hoping to make it a week to remember when he makes his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) appearance outside Malaysia at the inaugural Singha Phuket Open.

The 17-year-old, who turned professional in March, will be joined by American Brett Munson and Australian Martin Dive – the top two in the Order of Merit – at the US$58,140 (RM250,000) ADT event tomorrow.

They will face a stiff challenge from the home front, spearheaded Asian Tour veteran Thaworn Wiratchant, Danthai Boonma, Poom Saksansin, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Rattanon Wannasrichan – all winners on the Asian Tour – at the highly-rated Laguna Golf Phuket.

Daeng showed glimpses of his potential when he won the PGM Port Dickson Closed Championship in April.

Prior to turning professional, Daeng enjoyed a successful amateur career – including winning the Danau Closed Championship in 2015 when he was only 15.

“I arrived in Phuket yesterday and came straight to play 18 holes here. Some holes are quite short out there, but you need to be cautious of the wind. If I can handle the wind, I should be able to score. This is my first ADT event overseas, so I am very excited.

“I have had a great start to my professional career, winning my first professional title in just my second start on home soil.

“I’m hoping to go one step further now, so the next aim is to win on the ADT,” said Daeng.

“It’s not going to be an easy week, playing against such a strong field, especially the top professionals from Thailand.”