The Star Malaysia

Thanks, but no thanks

Daeng snubs SEA Games to focus on turning pro

- By S. RAMAGURU

Daeng Abdul Rahman, one of Malaysia’s top amateur golfers, has ruled out playing in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

Based on credential­s, the 17-year-old would have been a shoo-in to make the fourman team for the biennial Games from Aug 19-31.

“I’ll not be playing in the Games. I have informed the relevant people about it. I’m concentrat­ing on other tournament­s as my plan is to turn pro in the near future. I have not set a definite date but it might be soon,” said Daeng after a commendabl­e performanc­e at the just- ended Maybank Championsh­ip at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

The youngster was the only amateur to make the cut in the tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. He had a three-under 285 – 73-67-71-74 – to finish joint 47th with Malaysian Gavin Kyle Green and Frenchman Romain Wettel.

“It was a great experience for me. It’s not often that you get to play with the top stars. Now I am looking forward to bigger challenges,” said Daeng.

“I was fortunate to have the chance to represent the country at a very young age (15 years old). The internatio­nal exposure has made me a better player. But I want to move on and that means looking at a pro career,” added Daeng.

Daeng competed in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore after his win at the PGM Danau Championsh­ip. At 15, he upstaged the profession­als to become the youngest winner of a PGM Tour event.

“I have focused fully on golf for the last few years. I believe that I am ready to join the pro ranks. The Maybank Championsh­ip has given me great confidence in my ability. I’ll continue to play in the pro tournament­s to improve my game,” he added.

Daeng will compete in the PGM Palm Resort Closed Championsh­ip in Johor from March 1-4 and the PGM Northport Glenmarie Championsh­ip in Selangor from March 15-18.

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