Weather washes out Amir’s Asian Tour hopes

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian golfer Amir Nazrin Jailani had hoped to close his Asian Development Tour (ADT) campaign with a top 10 finish. He ended up disappointed, through no fault of his own.

The fourth and final round of the Taifong Open at the Taifong Golf Club in Changhua was called off due to inclement weather yesterday.

With the cancellation, the 22-year-old Amir could not improve on his overnight joint 18th position with an even-par 216 total.

He finished the US$160,000 (RM660,000) event nine shots behind winner Donlaphatchai Niyomchon of Thailand, pocketing US$1,785 (RM7,400) for his effort.

“It’s definitely disappointing not being able to play and try to finish in a better position,” said Amir, who turned professional in 2017.

“But I can’t complain after having progressed to the weekend of my last tournament of the year. “I have not only made my 10th straight cut, but also notched my 10th top 25 finish (out of 16 tournaments) this season.

“I am still happy with my overall performance on the ADT despite failing to finish in the top seven of the Order of Merit to earn a promotion to the Asian Tour.”

Amir finished 21st in the money list with a season tally of US$16,870 (RM63,000), equalling his effort last year.

Compatriot Kim Leun Kwang, who amassed $16,870 (RM70,000), emerged as the bestplaced Malaysian despite slipping from 13th to 18th.

A top-five finish would have propelled the 25-year-old to top seven, but he too missed the cut.

Amir and Leun Kwang do not have to wait long for another shot at joining compatriots Gavin Kyle Green, Ben Leong and Nicholas Fung on the Asian Tour.

The duo, as well as other Malaysian hopefuls, will tee off in the Tour’s Qualifying School, which will be held in Hua Hin, Thailand, from Feb 19-23.

The gruelling 90-hole qualifier is expected to see more than 250 professionals from all around the world, but only the top 35 and ties will earn their playing rights on the Asian Tour.

In his first attempt earlier this January, Amir finished tied 87th.

“I have a country exemption, but that could only get me into few events,” said Amir. “So, signing up for Q-School is a no brainer. My aim is a full Tour card, nothing less.”