PGM.CCM

Wira Salleh of Brunei hopes to turn the spotlight on golf in his country by producing a commendable result at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship which starts on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Wira, who turned professional in 2010, will contend for the title at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event alongside countryman Prince Abdul Hakeem Jefri Bolkiah.

Defending champion Brett Munson of the United States, reigning Order of Merit champion Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand and Malaysian duo Arie Irawan and Nicholas Fung will also feature at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.

Wira, who missed the halfway cut at the Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year, is eager to claim an Asian Tour card for next year by finishing inside the top-five on the final 2015 ADT Order of Merit.

He hopes to gain as much experience and Official World Golf Ranking points to bolster his chances of representing his country in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next year.

“I went to Qualifying School but didn’t make it but now I get to play on the ADT. It was my first time trying in the Qualifying School. After turning professional I played in the smaller Tours and on the MENA Golf Tour,” said Wira.

“I wanted to give Qualifying School a try because I felt I was ready. It was a good experience. If I play well on the ADT then I have a chance to earn a Tour card. The Olympics is next year so hopefully I can qualify for the event,” he explained.

Wira plans to take his golf game to a higher level by playing regularly on the ADT and inspire more Bruneians to take up the sport.

“We don’t have any tournaments in Brunei so we must go out more often to gain experience. If you look at Malaysia, they have a strong Tour and their players keep improving. I hope to do well and maybe in the future, we will see more professional golfers from Brunei,” said Wira.

The ADT will reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.

With the Olympic Games looming in 2016 where golf will be reintroduced as a medal sport, players in the region could earn their spots in Rio de  Janeiro by earning Official World Golf Ranking points through the Asian Tour and ADT.

For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com

- Advertisement -