NICHOLAS Fung aims to rise to the occasion in his second appearance at the cash-rich CIMB Classic on Oct 30 to Nov 2, after earning a coveted place in the tournament by virtue of being the highest-ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Fung made a subdued debut at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) last year, finishing 63rd in an elite field of 78 players at the US$7 million (RM22.8 million) tournament.
The 24-year-old will be joined by countryman Danny Chia, who qualified through the SapuraKencana National Qualifier, in a starry-field set to be headlined by title holder Ryan Moore, 2014 FedExCup champion Billy Horschel, Ryder Cup heroes Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, and Japanese stars Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Ishikawa.
“I’m so happy that I can play in the CIMB Classic for the second time. We will have another strong field again and I’m excited to be in such a great line-up,” said Fung.
Fung, currently ranked 39th on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and 392nd in the world, hopes to end the year on a high again.
Last year, he finished tied fifth and second in the Philippines and Indonesia respectively to finish a respectable 36th on the final Asian Tour rankings.
He is confident of a better showing at the KLGCC’s West course after ending his jinx by finally making the halfway cut at the venue for the first time in seven attempts at theMalaysian Open in April.
“The West course does not suit my game but my results there have improved.
“I made the cut earlier this year and that has given me some confidence,” he said.
“I’ve gained some distance off the tee and that will help at the West course. I’ve been doing more stretching and eating healthily and I’ve gained at least 10 yards with my driver.
“KLGCC is a tricky course. When you hit a bad shot, you will be in the water or in trouble. You can get away with a bad shot on other courses but not at KLGCC. “
Fung opened last year’s campaign at the CIMB Classic with rounds of 74 and 78 but improved over the weekend with a 71 and 70.