Trio put holidays on hold to tee off at Royal Cup

PETALING JAYA: While most golfers have left their clubs behind and gone on holiday, Malaysian trio – Nicholas Fung, Danny Chia and Ben Leong – are doing the opposite as they bid for one last glory before the year ends.

They are among the 78 men teeing up at the Royal Cup, which begins today at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand.

The tournament is held as a special event on the Asian Tour schedule, which culminated with the Indonesian Masters in Jakarta a fortnight ago.

It won’t count for both the Official World Golf Ranking and Order of Merit. But as the tournament is a no-cut event, all the players will claim a share of the US$500,000 (RM2.04mil) prize fund this week.

The winner is set to take home US$54,000 (RM221,000).

Nicholas has no qualms about putting his break on hold, especially with him hoping to gear up for the EurAsia Cup in three weeks’ time.

The 27-year-old is one of two Malaysians, besides Asian Tour No. 1 Gavin Kyle Green, named in the 12-man Team Asia to take on the Europeans in the Ryder Cup-style showdown at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from Jan 12-14.

“I still have some gas left in the tank, so I really don’t mind playing just one more event,” said Nicholas, who finished this season’s Order of Merit in 28th spot.

“It’s also a no-brainer as the tournament has no cut, it’s cash guaranteed and pressure-free.

“Most importantly, I thought the Royal Cup would give me a good opportunity to prepare for the EurAsia Cup.”

Nicholas, who earned his breakthrough win at the Queen’s Cup in Koh Samui, Thailand, in June, will also have one final shot at becoming the first Malaysian multiple winner in an Asian Tour season.

Gavin, who won the Taiwan Masters in October, has opted not to take part this week.