Kuala Lumpur: Arie Irawan rekindled his Olympic dream after clinching his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title of the season at the US$60,000 ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational in The Philippines on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who had claimed his breakthrough ADT victory on home soil earlier in January, battled to an even-par 71 after trading two birdies against two bogeys on a blustery day at the Aoki course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club.
Arie closed with a four-under-par 280 total to win by four shots over young Filipino talent Miguel Tabuena, who signed for a second consecutive 72.
Local stalwart Antonio Lascuna and compatriot Jun Bernis registered matching 69s to share third place on 285 while Thailand’s Poosit Supupramai settled one shot back in fifth place on his own.
Arie credited his strong mental game for a steady final closing performance as his overnight three-shot lead was hardly challenged.
“I kept my head down and try to stay calm out there. I told myself to relax and just focus on my game. It was windy today. I thought shooting even-par today was pretty good considering the tough conditions. I’m glad I made it through.
“This is my first win outside of Malaysia. It makes me feel that my game is there and I have the capability to win more. I definitely want to challenge for another win on the ADT this season. It’s good to see myself progressing and getting better,”said Arie, who pocketed US$10,500 and received six Official World Ranking Points (OWGR) points courtesy of his victory.
Arie was delighted to quickly bounce back with a victory after struggling with his game since his opening win at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Harvard Championship.
“I struggled with my game since the Terengganu Championship last month and I didn’t play well in Chinese Taipei too. I got to play with [my coach] Zaw Moe last week in Johor and he gave me some advice on my swing. It finally clicked on the last day where I shot a 66 and that gave me a lot of confidence coming into this tournament,” he added.
Arie will return to the Asian Tour to contend for the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters presented by Enjoy Jakarta Golf, slated to take place from April 23 to 26 next week.
Leading final round scores
280 – Arie Irawan (MAS) 73-69-67-71
284 – Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 72-68-72-72
285 – Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 74-72-70-69, Jun Bernis (PHI) 77-73-66-69
286 – Poosit Supupramai (THA) 75-71-69-71
287 – Clyde Mondilla (PHI) 76-72-69-70, Elmer Salvador (PHI) 74-75-67-71, Sejun Yoon (USA) 73-70-71-73, Micah Lauren Shin (USA) 74-66-72-75, Brett Munson (USA) 75-67-70-75
290 – Panuwat Muenlek (THA) 75-71-71-73
