KUALA LUMPUR: Nateesh Ganesh will head to the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship with more than experience on his mind as he chases a breakthrough that could make him the first Malaysian to play in the Masters.
The 21-year-old sees the Oct 29-Nov 1 tournament at Te Arai Links in New Zealand as a chance to realise a childhood dream, with the winner earning an invitation to Augusta National and a place in next year's British Open.
"It would mean the world to me and my family … first Malaysian to get to the Masters," he said.
Nateesh, a junior at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, returns for his fourth appearance with greater belief after winning the UC San Diego Invitational at Torrey Pines in March.
He also has five other top-10 finishes this year, giving him reason to aim higher after missing the cut in 2021 and 2022 before finishing joint 63rd in 2023.
"A couple of years ago, I'd say it'll be a great experience to play in the tournament and fun to play cool courses," he said.
"But nowadays, I view it differently. If I win this, I get to play in the majors. As an amateur, it's such an honour."
For the Melaka-born golfer, the dream began with a plastic club at three and a fascination with Tiger Woods.
"Since young, I have been a Tiger fan. I would watch him swing a club and try to emulate, and it's still one of my goals to meet him some day," he said.
His college coach Jason D'Amore believes the Torrey Pines victory has helped Nateesh recognise his potential.
"The win at Torrey Pines gave him the self-belief he needed to measure up against the best players in our game. I don't think it will be the last win he has," said D'Amore.
Nateesh's own assessment is equally confident.
"If I am playing good golf, I feel I can beat anyone."
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd