Ervin happy to play for nation at SEA Games one last time

PETALING JAYA: National No. 1 amateur golfer Ervin Chang (pic) is set to make his third SEA Games appearance in Vietnam later this year.

The 22-year-old had intended to turn professional in the middle of last year but was forced to defer his plan due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With his amateur status remaining intact, Ervin will get another shot at winning a SEA Games medal after narrowly missing out when he finished fourth in the individual event in Philippines Games two years ago.

In his debut in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, Ervin could only finish eighth.

“If the MGA (Malaysian Golf Association) call me up for the SEA Games, I don’t see why I’ll decline it as I’ll only turn professional next year,” said Ervin, who’s currently pursuing his Masters degree at Liberty University in Virginia.

“It’s always a great honour to be able to represent Malaysia in any major multi-sport Games.

“Furthermore, I did not bag a medal after two Games so I certainly hope I can finally do it this time.”

With his plan to turn professional on hold, Ervin continues to play collegiate golf for Liberty University.

In his second tournament of the year, Ervin did well to finish tied14th out of 75 golfers in the twoday SEA Best Invitational, which ended on Tuesday.

It was held at Ervin’s favourite course, TPC Sawgrass, famed for hosting the annual US PGA Players’ Championship.

It was where Ervin tasted his sole collegiate title back in 2018, besides finishing a credible seventh and sixth in 2019 and last year.

“No matter how many times I come here, it never fails to amaze me just how beautiful this place is and how amazing the facilities are,” he said.