‘Lonely’ Gavin isn’t alone after all – thanks to the Green family
PETALING JAYA: On one of the rare occasions, Gavin Kyle Green found himself playing a golf tournament on his own as there was an odd number of players who made the cut in the British Open.
But the 24- year- old, with his father Gary on his bag, did not let that dampen his spirit in the third round.
He carded an even-par 71 for his best score of the week to move into a eight-way tie for 61st place on three-over 216 at the Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland on Saturday.
A total of 79 golfers progressed into the weekend and they were divided into 39 flights of two-man pairing – with Gavin being the odd one out.
“Playing all by myself today was pretty lonely,” said Gavin.
“When I found out about it, I was like okay, it’s just going to be me and my dad today. But we had fun out there.”
Gavin, however, was not exactly “lonely” as he had the entire Green family rooting for him from outside the ropes.
“My whole family is here. Besides my mom (Vivienne Beh) and brother (Galven Green, also national golfer), my grandmother and my aunties are here as well,” he said.
“It’s nice to have them here with me and watch me play in my first Major championship.
“There were a few other Malaysians too, so I really want to thank them for their support.”
Gavin’s confidence had doubled ahead of the final round after he managed to stay bogey-free in the last four holes that gave him a problem in the first two rounds.
“It was a good day. I came back with four pars on 15, 16, 17 and 18 which was a tough stretch,” he explained.
“I gave myself a lot of chances today but none of them really dropped. I’m hitting it good, so I am alright with the even par.
“Hopefully, I can go under-par and improve my position as much as I can.”
Gavin sits 12 shots adrift of American trio, defending champion Jordan Spieth, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele – who lead the tournament with nine-under 204.