It was a new learning experience for Chang Ervin when he attended a training stint at the TPC Sawgrass in Florida, United States recently.
Ervin, a Form One student of Seri Suria, said the stint gave him an opportunity to experience the life of a professional golfer.
“I had the chance to meet some of the world’s top professional golfers such as Vijay Singh, Fred Funk, Natalie Gulbis and Nick Price. I would cherish the stint for a long time,’’ said Ervin after a training session at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club recently.
Proud feat: Ervin with the prize he received after the training stint in Florida.
Ervin was one of eight junior golfers from the Asean region to be awarded the overseas training scholarship.
The others were Malaysia’s Loy Hee Ying, Indonesians Jordan Surya Irawan and Nadya Rosiana, Thailand’s Danthai Boonma and Virunpat Olankitkunchai and Singaporeans Tan Yan Ming and Rachel Lim.
The eight were selected by CIMB after a series of training camps conducted by the PGA Tour Academy from June to September last year.
CIMB initiated the camp in conjunction with the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic held at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
PGA Tour Academy coaches —Travis Fulton, Shane Gillespie and John Stahlschmidt — conducted the camp.
Ervin said the coaches were helpful and evaluated his techniques especially swing and putting.
“They used a 3D equipment to analyse my putting and swing. It was discovered that my shoulder was too open. Now I have a better feel and my short game has enhanced.
Big dreams: Ervin lining up for a shot during a practice session.
“A physical trainer was also present to work on our fitness programme,’’he said.
Ervin’s fitness condition was put to the test when the participants played in a nine-hole competition. Chang finished second after a one over 37. The winner shot a two under-34.
This year will be an important one for Ervin. Besides wanting to excel in golf, he would also concentrate on his studies.
“I want to excel in both golf and studies. So I have to divide my time well. I will be playing in selected competitions,’’ he said.
The competitions lined up are the Selangor Amateur Open, Kuala Lumpur Amateur Open, Selangor Schools Sports Council (MSSS) championships and the SportExcel junior circuit.
Ervin said he was happy with his progress and hoped to make an impact in the local competitions.
“I have to thank my coaches from the PGA Tour Academy, Dean Hartman, Tony Maloney and Lim Siew Ai who have been a big inspiration with their guidance,’’ said Chang.
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