Sarawak, Malaysia: Four-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) participant Ervin Chang underlined his status as one of Asia’s most promising young players with a breakthrough professional victory at the Toyota Tour’s Mirai Cup in Sarawak this week.
Malaysian Chang carded rounds of 68, 66 and 71 for an 11-under-par 205 total at Sarawak Golf Club in the state capital of Kuching, claiming the title by six shots from Asian Tour player Shahriffuddin Ariffin.
The Toyota Tour is the name of the Malaysian domestic circuit and is the result of a three-party agreement between UMW Toyota Motor, Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) and MST Golf.
“It’s an incredible feeling for me, this being my first win as a professional. I hope to build on this momentum and play in as many Toyota Tour events as possible,” said Chang, who joined the paid ranks last June after winning two gold medals in the 2022 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam.
Another AAC alumni, Galven Green, finished joint third with veteran professional Khor Kheng Hwai on three-under-par.
Having participated in the AAC in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019, Chang jointly holds the Malaysian record for best finish in the championship with a seventh-place performance at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club in 2018. He competed on the US collegiate golf circuit for Liberty University from 2016 to 2020 with much success.
Cutting his professional teeth on the Asian Development Tour, Chang finished 15th on the Tour’s 2022 Order of Merit with several impressive performances, including a runner-up finish at the OB Golf Invitational, where he lost by a solitary stroke to Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai at Jababeka Golf and Country Club in West Jawa, Indonesia.
Chang’s fine performances as a rookie pro saw him being presented with the inaugural Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Award, a mission-driven initiative in memory of Myanmar golf legend Kyi Hla Han who was also the Asian Tour’s former Executive Chairman. The award included funding of US$20,000 and invitations to selected events.
Chang acknowledges the role the AAC played in his development as a player, describing it as the 'ultimate event' for amateurs.
“There are so many things that I like about the AAC. It always showcases awesome hospitality, challenging course set-ups, committed volunteers and a top-class field,” he said. “The organisers go out of their way to make players feel really special with the flight arrangements, the hotel accommodation and the gala night.
“Most importantly, you get a chance to play in The Open and the Masters Tournament. Truly, there are not many amateur tournaments that offer these kinds of opportunities and experiences.”
