Malaysia’s Gavin Green was named the Asian Tour Players’ Player of the Year to cap off a fantastic 2017 season where he also won the prestigious Order of Merit crown.
Green was recognized by his peers through a voting process for a highly successful season where he won his first Asian Tour title at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and finished second thrice.
The big-hitting 24-year-old made history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$585,813. He is also the second youngest player to win the accolade.
Green was delighted to receive the honour after an intense 12 months Order of Merit battle where he came out on top against Asian Tour stars Scott Hend of Australia, David Lipsky of the United States, S.S.P. Chawrasia of India and Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai.
“It is a huge honour to receive the Players’ Player of the Year award which is recognition for all the hardwork I’ve put in this year. This is another feather in the cap in my career and I will continue to work hard and strive for more success,” said Green.
“I want to thank all the Asian Tour players who voted for me. This is a major highlight in my season and it is an acknowledgement which I will remember for many years to come,” added the Malaysian.
To add to his list of achievements for the year, Green also won the driving distance category after averaging 314.08 yards off the tees.
Micah Lauren Shin of the United States was named Rookie of the Year thanks largely to his maiden victory at the Resorts World Manila Masters. He ended the season in 12th place on the Order of Merit with earnings of US$277,781.
SMBC Singapore Open and its host venue Sentosa Golf Club were also awarded with the Best Tournament of the Year award and Best Golf Course award respectively.
The popular Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea received the Best Spectator Engagement award for the second year running as an acknowledgement for its digital initiative and activities catered for fans.
American Paul Peterson topped the stroke average category with an average of 69.48, while Vietnam’s Michael Tran hit the most Greens in Regulation with a 75.21% strike rate.
Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who won his first Asian Tour title in his National Open in May, was the hottest putter on tour after averaging 27.46 putts per-round. India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was the straightest off the tees after finding 79.17% fairways in 2017.
Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman was named the best scrambler after converting 67.6% of his missed greens in regulation to save par this season.
