Pakistan's Hamza Amin, the first player from his country to gain playing rights on OneAsia, will make his season's debut at next week's GS Caltex Maekyung Open in Korea.
Hamza Amin |
The 27-year-old Hamza finished eighth at OneAsia Qualifying School in Kuala Lumpur and was rewarded with starts in the majority of tournaments on the 2015 schedule.
"Playing the Maekyung Open will be a proud moment for me and my country being the only card holder (from Pakistan) on the OneAsia tour," said Hamza who was taught the game by his father, celebrated amateur Taimur Hassan.
The GS Caltex Maekyung Open at Namseoul Country Club from May 14-17 is the second event on the circuit this season following the European Tour co-sanctioned US$3.2 million Volvo China Open which was won by OneAsia alumni Wu Ashun of China.
Korea's Park Jun-won became the 10th successive home winner of the Maekyung Open with a three-stroke triumph over Park Sung-hyun last year.
Hamza will come into the tournament in high spirits after snaring his first professional win in a domestic tournament last month.
"My goals for the Maekyung are to not think about any scores but just play to the best of my ability," said Hamza.
"As for the season I feel like I'm playing well so I hope to make as many cuts as possible and be in contention somewhere.
"(I am) just thinking about this year in small steps."
A former national player, Hamza played Namseoul Country Club at the amateur Nomura Cup in 2009 and missed the cut by three shots at the Maekyung Open there last year when he played on an invitation.
"Driving and speed control in putting will be the key at Namseoul," he said "You don't really want to miss the fairway anywhere."
Hamza's dad, Taimur Hassan, is credited with "single handedly changing the face of golf for Pakistan home and abroad" thanks to
his numerous successes as an amateur and he has passed on a lot of his knowledge to his son.
"I did start playing at the age of 10 and was taught by my father," said Hamza, who gained a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and has played on both the Asian Tour and the Mena Tour.
Like his father before him, Hamza hopes to be a trailblazer for golf in Pakistan as he competes on OneAsia.
"I think playing the OneAsia tour will make other Pakistanis try and qualify and do the same (as me) in the years to come," said Hamza, who was Pakistan National Amateur champion in 2011.
"Taking up the game is another story as there are many restrictions that prevent the masses from playing but it will definitely create a buzz."