Malaysian golfers net worth remains modest compared to neighboring countries despite decent golf infrastructure.
Gavin Green leads the country’s wealth rankings at approximately $3 million through consistent DP World Tour play and occasional PGA Tour appearances.
The country’s top golfers combine for roughly $8-10 million in total wealth. That’s surprisingly low for a nation of 33 million people where golf courses exist in abundance but development systems fail to produce consistent international competitors.
Top Richest Malaysian Golfers
Discover the Malaysian golf players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Rank | Golfer | Net Worth | Career Earnings | Major Wins | Active/Retired | Primary Tour |
| 1 | Gavin Green | ~$3M | $2.8M+ | 0 | Active | DP World Tour |
| 2 | Danny Chia | ~$2M | $1.5M+ | 0 | Retired | Asian Tour |
| 3 | Ben Leong | ~$1.5M | $800K+ | 0 | Active | Asian Tour |
| 4 | Nicholas Fung | ~$1M | $600K+ | 0 | Active | Asian Tour |
| 5 | Khor Kheng Hwai | ~$800K | $500K+ | 0 | Active | Asian Tour |
Gavin Green dominates Malaysian golf wealth at approximately $3 million from $2.8 million career earnings primarily from DP World Tour play.
His best season came in 2021 when he earned €902,087 finishing 31st on the DP World Tour rankings. His two runner-up finishes that year generated massive paychecks.
Danny Chia sits second at roughly $2 million despite retiring years ago. He made history as the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour in 2007.
His career earnings exceeded $1.5 million across Asian Tour and limited PGA Tour appearances. He earned $273,448 on the Professional Golf Tour of India alone.
Who is Malaysia’s Richest Golfer?
Gavin Green holds the title at $3 million net worth from $2.8 million career earnings. His breakthrough came on the DP World Tour where he finished 31st in the 2021 season rankings earning €902,087 total.
His best performance was runner-up at the 2021 D+D Real Czech Masters and Portugal Masters.
Those finishes paid significant prize money and pushed his career earnings past $2.5 million. He also earned €86,336 from a T20 finish at the 2021 DP World Tour Championship.
His PGA Tour appearances remain limited. He’s played 30 PGA Tour events through 2024 with modest earnings. His best PGA Tour finish was T5 earning significant prize money, but inconsistent performance prevents full-time status.
His 2024-2025 season shows struggles. Through December 2024, he’s made just 3 cuts in 8 DP World Tour events with earnings barely exceeding $50,000. His declining performance threatens his tour status.
How Much Are Malaysian Golfers Earning in 2025?
Current Malaysian golfers earn modest amounts compared to international competitors. Ben Leong earned his highest career paycheque of approximately $200,000 for a top-five finish at the 2023 International Series in Doha. That single check exceeded what he typically earns in full seasons.
The Malaysian Open offered $1 million total purse when it last ran. Those modest purses compared to PGA Tour events explain why Malaysian golfers struggle financially without breaking through on major tours.
Gavin Green’s 2024 season generated roughly $100,000 total from DP World Tour events. That income barely covers expenses for international travel, coaching, and equipment. Most Malaysian golfers supplement tournament earnings with local endorsements and teaching.
The gap between Green and the next Malaysian player stays enormous. No other Malaysian golfer consistently competes on the DP World Tour or PGA Tour. The next tier earns $50K-$100K annually grinding Asian Tour events.
Why Does Malaysia Produce So Few Wealthy Golfers?
Golf infrastructure exists with roughly 200 courses nationwide. However, most courses cater to wealthy recreational players rather than developing junior talent. The sport stays expensive and elitist with minimal public access.
Badminton and soccer dominate Malaysian sports culture. Every kid dreams of Olympic badminton glory. Golf barely registers as an option for talented athletes from middle-class families who can’t afford club memberships exceeding RM10,000 annually.
Development systems fail despite good facilities. Malaysia lacks structured junior programs that identify talent early and provide world-class coaching. Players develop individually through wealthy families rather than systematic pathways.
Weather creates challenges. Tropical heat and frequent rain limit comfortable playing conditions. That climate forces indoor training during certain months, restricting year-round development compared to temperate countries.
Danny Chia’s Historic Breakthrough
Chia made Malaysian golf history on December 2, 2007, winning the Volvo Masters of Asia. He became the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour, ending decades of near-misses and frustration.
His career included limited PGA Tour appearances. He earned $14,440 for finishing T68 at the 2015 CIMB Classic in Malaysia. Those modest PGA Tour earnings show the difficulty Malaysian players face competing internationally.
His retirement left a massive void. No Malaysian player has won on the Asian Tour since Chia’s breakthrough. That 18-year drought shows Malaysia’s declining competitiveness in regional golf.
FAQs
Who is the richest Malaysian golfer?
Gavin Green at $3 million net worth from $2.8 million career earnings. His best season was 2021 earning €902,087 on the DP World Tour finishing 31st in season rankings with two runner-up finishes.
How much did Gavin Green earn in his best year?
Gavin Green earned €902,087 in the 2021 DP World Tour season. He finished runner-up twice at the D+D Real Czech Masters and Portugal Masters plus earned €86,336 from T20 at the DP World Tour Championship.
What is Danny Chia’s net worth?
Danny Chia’s net worth is approximately $2 million from $1.5 million career earnings. He became the first Malaysian Asian Tour winner in 2007 at the Volvo Masters of Asia. He earned $273,448 on the Professional Golf Tour of India.
How many Malaysian golfers play on the PGA Tour?
Zero Malaysian golfers currently hold full PGA Tour status. Gavin Green plays primarily on the DP World Tour with occasional PGA Tour starts through sponsor exemptions. Malaysia has 5-10 players competing on the Asian Tour.
