Greener pastures ahead

Gavin senses his first European Tour title coming

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top golfer Gavin Kyle Green (pic) feels he is getting closer to winning his first European Tour title after claiming a sensational third spot at the justconcluded US$1mil (RM4.77mil) Czech Masters.

The 24-year-old was in sizzling form when he fired a final round three-under 69 to finish on a 17-under 271 total – five shots behind winner Andrea Pavan of Italy at the Albatross Golf Resort in Prague on Sunday.

Gavin’s outstanding display earned him his second highest finish on the European Tour after tying for second at the Indian Open, a jointly sanctioned tournament by the Asian Tour, in March last year.

Finishing top three in the Czech Masters is his best-ever outing on European soil.

The Prague meet featured a strong field that included the likes of Major winners Padraig Harrington of Ireland and England’s Danny Willett.

Gavin, who pocketed US$62,600 (RM298,000) for his effort, was all smiles.

“I’m going to keep knocking on the door to win a first European title, it will come soon,” said Gavin.

Gavin had more reason to celebrate when he got himself a year of beer supply from the Czech Republic’s renowned Pilsner Urquell Brewery for winning the longest drive challenge on the ninth hole at Albatross Golf Resort.

Gavin, known for his big-hitting prowess, bettered all his rivals in the field with a 358yard (327.4m) tee shot to ensure his fridge does not run out of beer for the next 12 months.

“I love beer. All my buddies in Malaysia will have free-flow beer,” he told the European Tour.com.

The strong outing has propelled Gavin up to 80th spot in the Race to Dubai standings. He needs to finish inside the top 110 to keep his playing privileges in the world’s second biggest Tour.

“I’m close to keeping my card so it’s definitely positive,” said Gavin, who created history as the first Malaysian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit last year.

Gavin finished tied 19th at the Scottish Open and made the cut in his first Major appearance to finish joint 61st at the British Open last month. In total, he has made 17 cuts out of his 21 Tour appearances, cashing in US$371,401 (RM1.5mil) in prize money.

He will resume his quest to conquer a first European Tour crown when he competes in the Made in Denmark starting on Thursday at the Silkeborg Ry Golf Club in Aarhus, Denmark.