Sports

Sunday November 8, 2009

Ervin inspired by Gary Player

GOLF SCHOOL
BY Y.P.SIVAM


LITTLE Chang Ervin, one of the most promising young golf talents, has been inspired and motivated after meeting legendary Gary Player.

Ervin had the chance to attend a coaching clinic conducted by Player at the MST Golf Academy, Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

“I could not believe that he was 74 years old. He was so lively and was very friendly. He also took the initiative to start a conversation with me. He enquired about my golf and advised me to lose weight. It was very touching and I am certainly going to shed my weight.

“He also told me not to give up.

Junior golfer Chang Ervin.

He said: ‘The more harder you work, the more luckier you will be in golf.’ said Ervin.

Player is not the first golfer Ervin had the chance to meet. In the past, Ervin, a Year Five pupil of the SRJK(C) Serdang Baru, Seri Kembangan, had attended coaching clinics conducted by Thongchai Jaidee, Darren Clark as well as Jack Nicklaus.

He also has an autographed golf shirt from Thongchai whom he met during the Maybank - Malaysian Open this year. Ervin believes his participation in the coaching clinics have made him a mature player.

The last two years, Ervin, who trains under Dean Hartman, has made tremendous progress in the local scene. Last year, Ervin, playing in the Under-12 age group, was the champion in three legs of the SportExcel Junior golf circuit and second in three legs as well as runner-up in the 100 Plus Junior golf championships.

This year has also been a good season for Ervin. He has been on the podium in almost every leg of the SportExcel Junior golf circuit.

He was the champion in five legs and runner-up in one. He was also the winner in the Selangor Schools Sports Council (MSSS) golf championships.

In the Selangor International Junior Masters at the Seri Selangor Golf Club , Ervin finished second.

Ervin attributed his fine results to the systematic training programme initiated by Hartman the past one year.

“Since coming under the guidance of Hartman, my short game, putting and chipping has improved. My game is technically sound and I would say there is about 60% overall progress in my game. I am indeed happy with the progress,’’ added Ervin.

Ervin will be taking part in three competitions before the end of the year.

They are the Sarawak Chief Ministers Cup; the Sabah International Junior championships and a leg of the SportExcel Junior circuit.

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