Kamps is fifth to make 200 appearances

South African Craig Kamps, the fifth player to surpass 200 appearances on the Asian Tour at the end of last season, was presented with a memento on Friday in honour of his career milestone.

Craig Kamps receives the congratulations of Kyi Hla Han

The two-time winner in Asia was given his recognition by Asian Tour's Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han during the Maybank Malaysian Open.

"It's been an absolute privilege from day one. I came over here from the first year that I turned pro. I started with the Tour and have grown with the Tour. I love everything about Asia, the people, the food, everything. It's a friendly Tour with great players. It's a wonderful place," reflected Kamps.

Winner of the 1996 Canlubang Classic in the Philippines and the 2000 Lexus International in Thailand, the South African strongman recently endured a lean spell following a neck injury and did not make a cut in two years.

But he broke the spell at the season-opening Pakistan Open.

"Obviously, my two wins are memorable, my first win obviously. My wife (who worked with the Tour's scoring team for three years) was out here with me and growing with me. It made it easier for me. Everything about Asia is good, I just love it out here.

"Pakistan was special. I played it one shot at a time and didn't think about it being my first cut in two years. The best was that I played with Rick Gibson who I know very well and Marcus Both. As soon as I made my putt on the 36th green and I had made the cut, they both broke out into a big green and said "well done."

"A lot of players came up to me and said "well done". It does mean a lot to me," said Kamps.

February 9, 2007

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