Ben fired up to finish sixth in Taiwan after receiving good news
PETALING JAYA: Golfer Ben Leong earned himself a timely boost ahead of his surprise second CIMB Classic start this week.
The 32-year-old Sabahan fired a five-under 67 to finish a creditable joint sixth at the Yeanger Tournament Players Championship in Taiwan yesterday for his best result on the Asian Tour this season.
He sank six birdies, including four in his first four holes, to offset a bogey to finish on seven-under 281 total.
Ben was clearly fired up after receiving pleasant news from the CIMB Classic organisers that he was offered a berth in the prestigious US$7mil (RM29mil) US PGA Tour
event, which begins at the TPC Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Ben, the national No. 2, was accorded the spot after Gavin Kyle Green declined the invitation to play.
Gavin made the 78-man field by virtue of being the highest-ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
However, Gavin decided to skip the CIMB Classic to play in the European Tour's British Masters, taking place in the same week. He is
bidding to qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship in Dubai.
Only the top 60 will make the cut and Gavin currently sits 81st in the Race to Dubai standings.
Ben said it was no-brainer for him to accept the invitation despite feeling exhausted after competing in four back-to-back Asian Tour meets in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan since last month.
“Do I have to think twice (to accept the invitation), of course not!" said Ben, who pocketed US$13,463 (RM56,000) for his effort in Taiwan.
“It has never crossed my mind that I would get the spot.
“I was already thinking of enjoying a good break and spend some time with my son. I was away from my family for almost a month now.
“But surely, a chance to tee up on the PGA Tour is a bonus.”
The Yeangder TPC crown went to John Catlin of the United States.
Catlin saved his best for last, blasting a superb 65 to win by two shots from compatriot Kim Si-hwan with a 15-under 273.
Another Malaysian Nicholas Fung had a forgettable final round. He could only manage a 75 to finish tied 48th on one-over 289.