KUALA LUMPUR: Newly turned professional golfer Khavish Varadan is looking to build on his promising showing at the IRS Prima Malaysian Open which concluded yesterday.
The 23-year-old opened the week strongly and was joint-leader alongside Australian Kevin Yuan as they headed into the weekend at The Mines Resort and Golf Club.
A blip in form on Saturday, however, would eventually see him conclude the tournament tied-13th on a four-day 15-under 269 (64-65-72-68).
Khavish, who battled a chronic neck injury in recent seasons, said playing in the tournament was a positive experience for him.
"From a personal standpoint, I'm definitely pleased, especially after my injury and stuff," said Khavish yesterday.
"It felt good to finish as the top Malaysian. However, I was not the No.1 overall, so there is still room for improvement.
"I am trying to get better every day and this opportunity (Malaysian Open) really helped me elevate my game.
"Now I can go and analyse what I need to improve on and think of how I am going to win the next time I compete."
Khavish has been based in the United States for almost a decade now and represented the University of Alabama at Birmingham in collegiate tournaments.
He was named American Athletic Conference Golfer of the Month in September.
"You guys (Malaysians) haven't really got to know me that well as I haven't been playing a lot of golf here in Malaysia," said Khavish.
"I have been performing quite well in the United States for nine years and was the No.2 ranked junior in the world.
"I had a pretty up and down college career, but managed to become one of the top players in the school programme."
Khavish said he has yet to determine which tournaments he will be joining in the immediate future.
"I guess that will depend on which tournaments I am able to get in. I will sit down with my team and assess the situation. This was my first tournament as a professional" he said.
"The main goal is to improve my game, if I can do that everything else will fall into place. Good golf takes care of everything".
He is, however, hoping to play at the Olympics one day.
"That would be great, I don't care what tournament it is, I just love to compete. I like feeling nervous, that is just how I am."
Khavish took home US$12,777 for his efforts at the Malaysian Open.