Gavin Green, who just turned 30 on December 27th, became the first Malaysian to top the Asian Tour Order of Merit after a remarkable 2017 campaign, earning promotion to the European Tour. 

Gavin won no fewer than 21 times in a stellar amateur career before turning professional in 2015. He represented Malaysia at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and made his EurAsia Cup debut two years later. He also qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

A University of New Mexico alumnus, Gavin is of Portuguese, Irish and Chinese descent. He resumes his journey in the DP World Tour with the US$9 million Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates GC, starting on 18th January, followed by one more event in UAE, the Bahrain Championship and then the Malaysian Open at The Mines RGC.

1.How would you describe 2023?
I would have liked to finish in the top 50 in the Race to Dubai and would have liked more top 10s. It wasn’t too bad of a year actually. I felt that I was more consistent, my shots were better. I also think mentally I was more stable. It’s just a missed putt here, a miss hit there or a wonky drive somewhere that cost me but I do believe that my game is getting better.

2.You joined the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) in 2018 after becoming the first Malaysian to top the Asian Tour Order of Merit. How close have you been to grabbing your first European victory?
A few times, I guess. The difference is so small but the most memorable ones were the Czech Masters and Portugal Masters in 2022.

3.What has been your most memorable moment or round on the DP World Tour?
The long drive on the 9th hole of the Czech Masters in 2019 when I hit a 390-yard drive on a par 4 to claim a year of beers … unfortunately, the tax made it too difficult for the sponsor to send it to me. We asked for the beers to be sent to the caddies at an event but I’m not sure if that was done.

4.Your parents have been a huge influence in your rise to become a professional. Do they manage your interests?
Yes and no. I have a management company which I work with. However, my parents have a lot of input and they help out with scheduling, handling the logistics etc etc. Plus, my mom comes along to feed me with homecooked Malaysian food sometimes.

5.What is your favourite tournament on the DP World Tour? Which is your favourite course?
Favourite tournaments – DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, BMW PGA Championship @ Wentworth and the Omega European Masters in Switzerland. Favourite courses – The Albatross in Czech Republic; Valderrama in Spain; Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.

6.Your return to Malaysia to compete in the premier Toyota Tour was met with massive media interests. But winning the Corolla Cross Cup at Palm Garden must have been especially satisfying. Describe that Thursday afternoon.
I knew I had to go out there and shoot a good number. So I went out there and I enjoyed myself, kept it steady and just did what I had to do. It was cool that I had my pals out there as well! My brother Galven had to give that event a miss and I dedicated the win to him!

7.You participated in two events on the Toyota Tour. What are your feelings about this professional platform, and how do you see its future?
Definitely moving in the right direction. I like that it feels more like a professional tournament now with the branding and the visuals. I also like the idea of marquee flights. The only thing with that is that the marquee flights should not be the last two flights in the morning or the afternoon. I think that if we eventually open the tournament up to foreigners, that would be a step in the right direction. There are so many benefits to this – it will grow the Tour, our players will progress and improve and the Tour could get world ranking points.

8.You seem to be among the top big hitters off the tee on the DP World Tour. Would you rather exchange this for say, a better middle or short game?
Actually, my short game is pretty good and based on the DP World Tour ranking for putting, I ranked first.

9.You’re currently ranked 27th in the DP World Tour OOM and your first target is to finish among the top 65 to qualify for the Race to Dubai. Do you see this happening this year?
It is still early in the season and the target is, of course, to reach Abu Dhabi and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

10.Who is your favourite player(s) of all time?
Tiger Woods

11.Do you harbour thoughts of playing on the PGA Tour?
Who doesn’t! For sure!

12.If you were not a professional golfer, what do you think you would be today?
I am not sure I can really answer that coz all that I have ever wanted was to become a professional golfer and we worked towards that throughout my growing up years. Mum and dad put a lot to create opportunities for Galven and I and we are where we are today, mainly because of the paths they created for us.

13.Golf aside, what other sports do you enjoy?
Everything, well, almost everything. I play paddle ball, tennis, table tennis, I also enjoy swimming and playing computer games.

14.Who is your favourite actor/actress? What movie wouldn’t you mind seeing over and over again?
Kevin Hart. Top Gun

15.You enjoy cooking. What is your favourite food?
I enjoy cooking fried rice – I make a mean one. I have so many favourites where food is concerned – I love my nasi lemak, especially love my roti canai, I enjoy dim sum and my mum’s yee mee.

16.What did you graduate in at the University of New Mexico?
Bachelor of Arts in Business

17.If you were the Sports Minister, what steps would you take to better develop the game of golf in Malaysia?
We need more training facilities. In order for our game to grow, the training facilities must also grow. For example, I have been trying to find a place to train – especially when my coach is in town but it has been so difficult. Some of the clubs have been very supportive like Kelab Golf Seri Selangor but they don’t have a range. Thanks to the Els Club in Desaru, I spent 5 days there working with my coach recently and it was amazing! The facilities are great and we were hitting balls all day at the range and on the course, just working on tightening my numbers.

18.What would your dream foursome be, with you as the fourth ball.
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Galven, me.