Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
This was to have been the week that Gavin Green made his much-anticipated first appearance of the year on Malaysian soil, if not for the postponement of the Maybank Championship due to the Covid-9 pandemic.
Instead, the Malaysian No 1 is sitting out the suspension of tour golf at home, just like his fellow professionals worldwide.
While it is frustrating not being able to play, let alone compete – especially given his strong start to the season – Gavin noted that it is something all players have to accept given the scale of the pandemic.
“It would have been wonderful to play on home soil in the Maybank Championship but, like a lot of sporting events, everything in golf is being put on hold. The faster that we can flatten the Covid-19 curve, the better it will be for everybody,” said the 26-year-old, who is a Maybank ASEAN ambassador.
In six starts on the European Tour until the Qatar Masters in early March, the long-hitting Malaysian star had raked in top-30 finishes in all including a T3 performance at the star-studded Saudi International. His stroke average of 69.41 ranks 14th on the 2020 season statistics.
‘Planking’ at home to build core strength
“It was such a solid start for me, so I was hoping to continue that form and get in more good finishes. But, you never know, this break could be good too,” said Gavin, who is currently in 17th place on the European Tour’s Race To Dubai rankings and a career-high 142nd on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Gavin was on course for second appearances in both the British Open and the Olympics this July/August, but will now have to wait another year with both events rescheduled for 2021. “There was really no choice. It’s part of life and we’ll have to accept it and move on.”
The break has given Gavin the chance to build up his strength and muscle mass with targeted exercises and weight training at home, while taking care not to aggravate a niggling left wrist injury. He works remotely with renowned sports therapist Dr Micaiah Meuer, who is based in Singapore and specialises in golf.
The Greens on vacation when travel was still OK
“I try to work on everything, on getting stronger. At least now I can rest my wrist, which is a good thing, while strengthening it at the same time. And now I swim a little bit more for cardio. Just trying to strengthen everything before we get back to play,”said the 2017 Asian Tour No 1, adding that he also works on his short game in the garden and checks in occasionally with Texas-based swing coach Chris O’Connell.
Training aside, Green is enjoying his time at home with dad Gary and mum Vivienne, along with younger brother Galven who fortunately managed to get back from the US just before travel restrictions made it near impossible. Galven is in his junior year at the University of New Mexico, which is also Gavin’s alma mater.
“Being away from home a lot when on tour, it’s nice having a lot of family time now … but there’s also a lot of cleaning; cleaning the house, cleaning the car, cleaning everything!” joked Gavin.
Don’t be surprised if Gavin and Galven become mini masterchefs by the time the MCO is lifted, as they’ve both been busy in the kitchen.
Masterchefs in the making?
“We all take turns to cook; it’s good to learn something and I really don’t mind cooking,” shared Gavin, noting that his go-to dish is garlic fried rice.
As the nation battles to contain Covid-19, Gavin has these words of advice for his fellow Malaysians: “We can’t be selfish in times like these, so we all have to do our part by staying home. I know it can be hard but we’ve got to help our frontliners stem the tide until things return to normal.”
And when things do get back to normal and tour golf resumes, you can be sure that Gavin will be ready and raring to go.
By Jonathan Ponniah / #StayAtHome photos courtesy of Vivienne Beh
