BEN’S LUCKY CHARM

Malaysian thanks Gavin for the opportunity to play in CIMB Classic

BEN Leong may name his second son, Gavin. That’s because he felt that Malaysia’s No 1 golfer Gavin Green has helped to boost his fortune. “Maybe I’ll name my second son Gavin. Gavin definitely gave me a lot of luck and I think I gave some of it back as well.”

Ben was referring to the 2016 CIMB qualifiers where he missed a shot, and handed a chance to Gavin.

“Things happen for a reason and I always look at the positives, so here I am,” he said.

Ben got the opportunity to compete in the US$7 million (RM29 million) CIMB Classic starting at TPC Kuala Lumpur today, as his rival, Gavin is staying away.

Gavin, the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, has opted to stay in Europe to compete in the British Masters from Oct 11-14.

Ben, who finished joint sixth at last weekend’s Yeangder TPC, will go into this week’s CIMB Classic without any expectations.

He is just grateful to be playing a PGA Tour event and excited to tee off against some of the world’s best.

“It feels great, playing at TPC KL, a PGA Tour event and teeing up with the big boys once again.

“You can play well and the score doesn’t show and you can play bad and the score’s like four or five under. So, no expectations,” he said.

The other Malaysian on the field is Jeremiah Kim Leun Kwang who will make his debut after winning the CIMB National Championship on Sept 28.

Ben is on the same flight with Americans Brian Gay and Ryan Palmer while Jeremiah will tee off alongside Americans James Hahn and Bronson Burgoon.