Sentosa, Singapore, August 7: To many young and aspiring international golfers, the Asian Tour is more than just a potential career launch pad in the world of the professional game.
“It’s my second home,” declared Spaniard Carlos Pigem, who joined the Asian Tour after graduating from Qualifying School in 2013.
The dashing 27-year-old has since enjoyed a blossoming career in the Far East, seizing his first victory at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei last year.
Pigem has continued his good form this season, securing two top-five finishes including a runner-up position at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open. His new life in Asia, both inside and outside the ropes, has impacted him positively.
“I’m growing as a person and as a golf player. I’m meeting a lot of people from a lot of countries with different cultures and that makes me really happy,” said Pigem during the filming of the second phase of the Asian Tour’s digital #whereitsAT campaign.
“The Tour has given me a lot. This is the start of my fifth year and I hope I can stay for many more years because the people here are very friendly,” he added.
Pigem, who hails from Barcelona, had originally played football as a child. When he broke several bones in his fingers as a result of being the goalkeeper, his father advised him to pick up golf instead.
As an amateur, Pigem won several trophies such as the World University Championship 2012 which prompted him to take the plunge in the play-for-pay ranks.
In 2013, he decided to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Javi Colomo, who had finished 26th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2012, and signed up for the Asian Tour Qualifying School.
“A lot of good golfers start their careers on the Asian Tour, like Anirban (Lahiri), Jeunghun Wang and Soomin Lee, and they are growing on another Tour right now,” said Pigem.
“Jeunghun and Soomin are two guys who I played with the most over the last four years on the Asian Tour, and they are growing a lot. I want to try to do the same as them.”
Pigem has set his sights on bigger goals, and believes the Asian Tour will help him as he works towards his dreams, which include winning a Major championship.
“Without the Asian Tour, I don’t know where Carlos Pigem is going to be,” he said.
“I want to be here at least one or two more years and then we’ll see. Win a Major? Why not!”
