KUALA LUMPUR: With an eye on a spot at The Open (British Open), golfer Gavin Green hopes to hit the ground running at the US$1 million (RM4.78 million) IRS Prima Malaysian Open, which starts tomorrow at The Mines Resort and Golf Club.
Gavin believes his game is "in a good place" and has already prepared a comprehensive strategy for an assault on the top three.
The three leading finishers this weekend, who are not already exempt for The Open before the closing date for entries, will qualify for the tournament at Royal Troon on July 14-21.
"My game is in a good place right now. It is nice being back home with friends and family here, especially as it is Chinese New Year," said Gavin during the pre-tournament press conference yesterday.
"There will be a lot of good players here, so you have to have your 'A' game to win. Hopefully, it turns out well here.
"Practice has been very solid. I think we (with his caddie) have a very good game plan for this course. It is now just about executing it and performing well.
"There is always a chance, but as I have said before, there are so many good players you have to beat. Although I will be playing on home soil, everyone has the potential to get those three spots (for The Open).
"For me, I will be focusing on getting those spots. If it works out well, who knows what will happen on Sunday."
Defending champion Trevor Simsby of the United States, James Piot and Sihwan Kim, Jed Morgan, and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond are among the big names in the Malaysian Open.
Gavin's younger brother, Galven, will also be playing in the tournament.
It will be Gavin's 10th appearance at the Malaysian Open — held for the first time since 2020.
The World No. 224 is one of 30 Malaysians, including Ervin Chang, Ben Leong and Nicholas Fung, competing for honours in the tournament.