Ervin Chang has big plans this season but will not forget where he came from, even though he is enjoying a great start on the lucrative Asian Tour.
Chang was the Order of Merit champion in the inaugural Toyota Tour last season and more importantly, 10th on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit standings, with season earnings of US$30,544.82 (RM143,000), earning him a place on the Asian Tour.
As he began life with the big boys of Asian golf, Chang said his target was to finish among the top 65 players to retain his Asian Tour status.
“Staying on the Asian Tour is the No. 1 goal for 2024, but that doesn’t mean I will forget my roots,” said Chang, who recently signed a sponsorship deal with a Malaysian bank.
“Where possible, I will still play on the Toyota Tour and ADT, as those tournaments made me what I am today.”
Chang tied 52nd on his Asian Tour debut at his home tournament – the Malaysian Open – on Feb 18. It was enough for him to pocket US$3,960. But Chang is full of regrets as he was tied for 16th after the third round before falling away on the final day. It was a bitter lesson for the 26-year-old from Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
“It’s a little frustrating and hard to take, but overall, I did okay,” said Chang, who won gold medals for the individual and team events at the 2022 SEA Games.
“The experience of playing in my home Open was nice. I wish I could have done better. But that’s golf.”
Chang followed up on his experience at The Mines Resort and Golf Club by finishing joint 43rd at the International Series Oman a week later and picked up another US$11,040.
He then finished joint 34th at the International Series Macau on March 17 to bank another US$14,000. His next tournament is the Saudi Open from April 17-20.
“It has been a great start to the Asian Tour as I played at the weekend for all three tournaments,” said Chang.
“I still have a lot to learn. I will not put undue pressure on myself.
“I will go out there and enjoy hitting the ball. I have improved my finishing position in all three tournaments, so that is a confidence booster,” he added.
