Golfer Ervin Aims To Defend Toyota Tour Order Of Merit
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Despite preparing to face tougher challenges in the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour (ADT) this year, 2021 Hanoi SEA Games champion Ervin Chang vows to fight to retain his Toyota Tour Order of Merit honours.
The 25-year-old who earned the Asian Tour card as top 10 finisher in the 2023 ADT, wanted to stamp his mark by winning more events in the tour, after only having won the Mirai Cup at Kelab Golf Sarawak in May during the inaugural season.
Ervin, who is set for the Asian Tour debut at Malaysia Open, the season’s opening from Feb 15-18 at the Mines Resort & Golf Club, is also aiming to notch wins in Asian Tour events.
“However, it is a little tricky with Asian Tour and ADT schedules. I will be competing mostly in the Asian Tour, and it is not easy because we know how competitive is the tour these day.
“I am really happy to make it into the Asian Tour after only turning pro for a year and half. I will try as much as I can to compete in Toyota Tour and retain the Order of Merit,” he told reporters after the 2024 Toyota Tour calendar launch here, today.
Ervin, who topped the inaugural season rankings after earning RM151,796.38 prize purse, added that the tour is a great platform for local players to compete among themselves especially the likes of Gavin Green, Danny Chia and Shahriffuddin Ariffin.
Meanwhile, he felt the status of Malaysia Open has been elevated after being named one of the two Asian Tour tournaments (with Korean Open) as the qualifying event for the prestigious British Open (also known as The Open) to be held from July 18-21 at the Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland.
“I am grateful I got a spot for Malaysia Open, definitely looking forward to play and compete with high level players from Asian Tour and local side as well,” he said.
Earlier, he received the Order of Merit trophy from the UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Takashi Obata.
Meanwhile, MST Golf Group chief executive officer Ng Yap said in an attempt to narrow the gap between professional and amateur golfers, the organisers decided to introduce an eGolf championship this year.
The new initiative will see indoor golf tournaments held at four MST Golf Arena locations across Klang Valley, Penang and Johor for amateur golfers to compete for monthly medal prizes, opportunities to play in Toyota Tour Pro-Am events, and even a chance to compete against professionals in tour.
The tour, introduced in 2023, is a three-way synergy between naming partner UMW Toyota Motor, rights holder Professional Golf Malaysia (PGM) and delivery agency MST Golf Group, and is co-sanctioned by ADT.
2024 calendar:
- Qualifying School Leg 1 at Tiara Melaka GCC, Bukit Katil (Feb 20-22)
- Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy at Saujana GCC, Shah Alam (Feb 27-29)
- Corolla Cross Cup at Glenmarie GCC, Shah Alam (April 23-25)
- Vios Cup at Templer Park CC, Rawang (May 14-16)
- Fortuner Cup at Sibu Golf Club, Sarawak (June 25-27)
- Hilux Cup at Sabah GCC, Kota Kinabalu (July 16-18)
- Supra Cup at Palm Resort GCC, Senai (Aug 13-15)
- Qualifying School Leg 2 at Kota Seriemas GCC, Nilai (Sept 10-12)
- Harrier Cup at Royal Pahang GC, Kuantan (Sept 24-26)
- Alphard Cup at Penang Golf Resort, Kepala Batas (Oct 8-10)
- Yaris Cup at Mines Resort GC, Seri Kembangan (Nov 5-7)
- Toyota Championship (ADT) at Kota Permai GCC, Shah Alam (Nov 20-23).
-- BERNAMA
