Gavin aims to do well at CIMB Classic to extend Order of Merit lead

PETALING JAYA: Gavin Kyle Green (pic) will enjoy the rare privilege of leading the Asian Tour stars at the US$7mil (RM30mil) CIMB Classic.

Gavin, the Tour’s current No. 1, will be joined by reigning Order of Merit champion Scott Hend of Australia, David Lipsky of the United States and S.S.P. Chawrasia of India at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Exciting Thai talents Phachara Khongwatmai, Poom Saksansin and Jazz Janewattananond will be making their debuts alongside Prayad Marksaeng, Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and Richard T. Lee of Canada.

The big-hitting Gavin is hoping for a good result at the Classic so that he can extend his Order of Merit lead as he aims to become the first Malaysian to win the accolade.

This is the second time Gavin is playing in the Asian Tour and US PGA Tour sanctioned event. However, the event has taken a greater significance as the money he earns will now be counted on the Order of Merit.

“My goals have changed so much since finish- ing second in India (Indian Open in February) and I’m now thinking about the Order of Merit.

“It will be a huge deal to win it,” said the 23-year-old, who lifted his first Asian Tour title in the Taiwan Masters early this month.

Gavin is also the highest ranked local golfer in the world rankings. He is ranked 157th.

The previous highest-ranked Malaysian was Iain Steel (191) after his second-placed finish at the 2007 Singapore Masters.

Baby-faced Saksansin, who won his second Asian Tour title in India in August, is excited to make his first appearance.

“I didn’t think I can qualify for the Classic but I played so well in the last few months so I’m really happy I’m playing.

“I will try my best to treat it like any other tournament but I think the experience of playing in the event will help me a lot,” said the 24-yearold.

The leading 10 players on the Asian Tour Order of Merit as of Oct 9 qualified for the Classic. Fifth ranked Daisuke Kataoka of Japan is not eligible as he did not compete in two full-field Asian Tour events.