European Tour: Bernd Wiesberger heads to Malaysian Open delighted with world top 50 ranking

Bernd Wiesberger is adamant he won’t lose focus now he’s broken in to the world’s top 50, although is targeting another strong display at this week's Malaysian Open.

European Tour Golf

The 29-year-old has made an impressive start to the season with top six finishes in all three of the Desert Swing events, most recently finishing tied-fourth at last week’s Dubai Desert Classic.

Wiesberger is part of a strong field in Kualal Lumpar that includes reigning champion Lee Westwood and former major winners Graeme McDowell and Y E Yang, with the Austrian keep to stay among the world's elite. 

“I’m not getting too carried away,” the world No 48 said. “It’s just for this week though, and it can change depending on what happens.

“Being in the top 50 obviously means exemption to the World Golf Championships and the Majors, so it’s a big number and an important mark.

“I pushed to get into the top 50 at the end of last year because I’d had a so-so season and dropped back a little bit. I didn’t quite make it, so it’s very satisfying to do it early this year.

“I’m just trying to get another good week in and maybe move even further up.”

Wanting more

McDowell makes his first appearance in Malaysia for seven seasons as he looks to build on last week's season-opening joint-ninth place finish at the Emirates GC. 

The Northern Irishman tees off in a group that includes veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez and believes he knows what he needs to do move back up the world rankings.

“I need to take my focus off trying to make an impact on money lists both sides of the Atlantic and put my focus on the World Rankings.

“I’d like to get back into the top ten in the world this year - that’s one of the goals. By committing to my processes and trying my best every week, I know that’s something I can achieve.

“I think my focus is better than it’s been in a long time.”

Watch the Malaysian Open on Thursday live from 5am on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.