PETALING JAYA: Top local golfers Ervin Chang and Galven Green have set their sights on reclaiming the title from international competitors when the PKNS Selangor Masters returns to the Seri Selangor Golf Club from June 19-22.
The tournament, which boasts a lucrative prize of US$175,000 (RM824,000), is jointly sanctioned by the Toyota Tour and the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
This year marks the third edition of the Selangor Masters since its revival in 2022, with the state development corporation PKNS as the title sponsor.
Previously, it was held as part of the Asian Tour between 2008 and 2014.
In 2022, Shahriffuddin Ariffin became the first local golfer to win it, since Ben Leong's triumph in 2008.
However, last year, the title was won by Taiwan's Ho Yu Cheng.
Ervin, who finished as the highest-placed Malaysian, tied for eighth last year, has vowed to give the title another shot this year.
"This is going to be my third appearance, and the Selangor Masters is one of the events that has a long-lasting impact on me as I remember clearly the day I watched Ben play and win the title," said Ervin.
"It kind of inspired me to play professional golf in the future. This shows how significantly this event can inspire a generation of players to emerge.
"A lot of professional golfers from overseas are looking forward to this event too, not only because of the prize money, but also the competition that the tour provides. The opportunity that comes along with it could potentially lead to a better position on the ADT Order of Merit."
Galven, a two-time winner on the Toyota Tour, is looking to translate his good domestic form into a maiden win on the international stage.
"This tournament is one of the big events for me because when I was young, it was actually my first professional tournament when I was 12 or 13," said Galven, the younger brother of national No. 1 Gavin Green.
"Ever since then, it's been one of those events where I aim to play well and be a part of it. It's a prestigious event, and winning it would be a massive achievement for sure."
Also seeking to impress will be Shahriffuddin, Nicholas Fung and Paul San.
Meanwhile, the Seri Selangor Golf Club will also stage the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship from June 13-15 with plenty at stake, especially in the boys' division.
That's because the individual winner will be rewarded with an invitation to compete in the Selangor Masters.
Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin, who officiated the launch of the two golf tournaments on Thursday, said: "Through the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship, we provide a platform for our young talents to test themselves against some of the best juniors from across the region."
"With numerous spots for Malaysians, the PKNS Selangor Masters is a pathway for our aspiring young professionals to enhance their playing careers. Hopefully we will see a few Malaysians among the top 10 players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of this season and earn their Asian Tour card for 2025."