Sungai Buloh: American Brett Munson revelled in delight after claiming his breakthrough win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) with a final round four-under-par 68 at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) CCM Rahman Putra Championship on Saturday.
Munson, who is only playing in his second event on the ADT, compiled a total score of eight-under-par 208 for a one-shot victory over Thai brothers, Annop and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) event, which was shortened to 54 holes due to worsening haze.
Pavit, who held a share of the second round lead, signed for a closing 71 while Annop ended his campaign with a 69 at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
Sabahan Ben Leong, a one-time winner on the premier Asian Tour, emerged as the best local player after battling to a 69 to share fourth place with Japan’s Konozuke Nakazato on matching 210s.
Munson fired five birdies against a lone bogey, including an all-important birdie on the final hole to secure the crown – his first in Asia.
“I am overwhelmed with joy right now. It has been a while since I last won. This is really amazing,” said the 27-year-old, who received the coveted Jack Nicklaus award as the top Division II golfer for the 2009-2010 season on the eGolf professional Tour back in the United States.
“My putting was great today. I played solid and I hit a lot of fairways too. I told myself to stay positive and stick to my fundamentals. Overall, it has been a great experience this week. Hopefully I can continue to do better this season,” added Munson.
Munson took home the winner’s prize purse of US$10,670 which propelled him to second on the ADT Order of Merit led by Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat.
“I feel that there are a lot of opportunities here in Asia. That’s why I came all the way here from the United States. It has been really enjoyable playing on the ADT even though this is only my second event. The tournaments are very well-organised.
I haven’t really settled down in Asia yet but I am planning to find a place in Hua Hin, Thailand for this year just to work on my game and to get use to everything here. The Asian Tour is one of the better Tours around so hopefully I can work my way up from the ADT,” said Munson.
Leading final round scores (Malaysian unless stated)
208 – Brett Munson (USA) 70-70-68
209 – Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 71-69-69, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 68-70-71
210 – Ben Leong 70-71-69, Konosuke Nakazato (JPN) 70-69-71
211 – David Rose (CAN) 70-72-69, Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) 71-69-71, Mitsuhiko Hashizume (JPN) 68-72-71
212 – Peter Richardson (ENG) 71-72-69, Senroku Isa (JPN) 69-72-71, Rizal Amin 71-69-72, Dodge Kemmer (USA) 76-69-67, Daniel Bringolf (AUS) 68-71-73
