KUALA LUMPUR: An ambitious Ervin Chang is ready to raise the bar as he sets his sights on winning in his rookie season on the Asian Tour.
The 25-year-old is eager to take his career to greater heights as his first 18 months as a professional golfer have been nothing but impressive.
Ervin, who transitioned to the professional level after making history as the first Malaysian to secure two gold medals at the Vietnam Sea Games in 2022, quickly solidified his status as one of the country's top golfers.
He was crowned the Order of Merit winner during the 2023 Toyota Tour season.
Finishing atop the money list with a season total of RM151,796 from nine starts, Ervin's remarkable performance included a significant triumph at the Mirai Cup in Sarawak, accompanied by five other top-five finishes.
Whilst excelling locally, Ervin also stamped his mark on the Asian Development Tour, finishing in the top 10 on the second-tier circuit to earn a promotion to the 2024 Asian Tour season.
"Becoming the Toyota Tour Order of Merit champion was a goal of mine in 2023, and I'm truly delighted to have accomplished it," said Ervin, who received his trophy during a brief ceremony held in conjunction with the launch of the 2024 Toyota Tour schedule.
"I will try my best to defend it this year although it's going to be tricky as I'll be playing between the Toyota Tour and Asian Tour now that I hold a tour card.
"Everything has fallen into place nicely in the past one and a half years, and it feels like it happened for a reason. I will continue to work hard, better myself, and get ready for the upcoming season as I have bigger goals.
"Of course, it would be great if I'm able to win on the Asian Tour this year."
Ervin could not have asked for a better place to kickstart his Asian Tour career, as he is set to feature in the season-opening Malaysia Open at Mines Resort and Golf Club from Feb 15-18.
"I can't wait to get started and am looking forward to playing and competing with a high level of players," said Ervin.
"Last year, I managed seven starts on the Asian Tour through sponsors' exemption, and I enjoyed the competition because every week sees a different winner.
"And also, golf is never really a consistent game, but it's about how consistent we can be with this kind of inconsistency."
Meanwhile the Toyota Tour, returning for its second season, has unveiled its new calendar comprising 10 events, with the Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy serving as the season-opener once again at the Saujana Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam from Feb 27-29.
The season runs until November, culminating with the Toyota Championship at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam from Nov 20-23.
2024 TOYOTA TOUR CALENDAR:
Feb 27-29: Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy (Saujana GCC, Selangor)
April 23-25: Corolla Cross Cup (Glenmarie GCC, Selangor)
May 14-16: Vios Cup (Templer Park CC, Selangor)
June 25-27: Fortuner Cup (Sibu GC, Sarawak)
July 16-18: Hilux Cup (Sabah GCC, Sabah)
Aug 13-15: Supra Cup (Palm Resort GCC, Johor)
Sept 24-26: Harrier Cup (Royal Pahang GC, Pahang)
Oct 8-10: Alphard Cup (Penang Golf Resort, Penang)
Nov 5-7: Yaris Cup (Mines Resort GC, Selangor)
Nov 20-23: Toyota Championship (Kota Permai GCC, Selangor)
