Pro Golf Now
Fansided

CIMB Classic: five sleeper picks

By Mike Randleman

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 23: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays on the 1st hole during day four of the 2016 CIMB Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur on October 23, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 23: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays on the 1st hole during day four of the 2016 CIMB Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur on October 23, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
CIMB Classic
SUVA, FIJI – AUGUST 19: Gavin Green of Malaysia hits his tee shot on the 4th hole during day three of the 2017 Fiji International at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course on August 19, 2017 in Suva, Fiji. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) /

Gavin Green is tearing it up on the Asian Tour. The 23-year-old leads the money list thanks to a runner-up three weeks ago and a win the following week at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

Green wins wherever he goes. He was an All-American and eight-time winner in his collegiate career at the University of New Mexico. He won twice on the Asian Development Tour last year for three career wins on the circuit.

He’s become the highest ranked Malaysian ever, peaking at No. 157.

Green has been consistent in 2017 going 14-for-17 in cuts made worldwide with five top-two finishes. He’s made the most of sparse chances on the big stage.

In three European Tour regular or co-sanctioned events, Green finished T32 at the always strong Omega Dubai Desert Classic, T47 at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, and was runner up at the Hero Indian Open. He had a chance to win in India before a final round 75 derailed his chances.

He’ll likely ship off to the European Tour next year, but finishing off the Asian Tour season in the No. 1 spot is a goal of Green’s.

“This time, it will definitely be more special playing in the CIMB Classic because the money will be counted on the Order of Merit,” Green was quoted by AsianTour.com. “My goals have changed so much since India (Hero Indian Open in February) and I’m thinking about the Order of Merit. It will be a huge deal to win the Order of Merit,” said Green.

Green can hit the ball a mile and should be able to overpower TPC Kuala Lumpur if the rest of his game is sharp. He tied for 25th here at the 2015 Maybank Malaysian Open and was T69 at last year’s CIMB Classic.

Home/Fantasy Golf