Bukit Jambul [PENANG]: American rookie Nick Sherwood defeated Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand by one shot to claim his maiden Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour victory at the Penang Championship on Saturday.
Sherwood, who started the day two shots back, fired a superb 10-under-par 62 highlighted by 10 birdies for a winning total of 22-under-par 266 at the Penang Golf Club.
His playing partner, Pavit, matched his efforts of a 62 but was not enough to pip him to the title as he settled for second place at the RM200,000 tournament, co-sanctioned with the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
The duo would have bettered the course record, achieved by American John Michael O’Toole in his opening round of 64, if not for the preferred lies in play.
O’Toole closed with a five-under 67 to settle for third place on 270 while Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall finished two shots back in fourth following a 66.
Local star Danny Chia returned with a 65 to emerge as the highest-placed Malaysian in fifth place on 274 alongside overnight co-leader Adam Blyth of Australia, who carded a 72.
Playing in his first year on the ADT, Sherwood was delighted to secure his breakthrough victory after being away from home for close to six months.
“This win means the world to me. I haven’t been home in six months and my main goal all these while was just to win. I can’t wait to go home now and have a good rest before coming back in two weeks for the next tournament,” said the 25-year-old American, who turned professional in 2013.
“Everything was pretty good for me. I played as best as I would. The putter was on fire and I was able to hit it close. The best birdie today is the 10-footer I made on 17. I was feeling the nerves as Pavit was on my back. That birdie gave me a good two-shot cushion heading into the last,” added Sherwood, who received the winner’s share of RM35,000.
Leading final results (Par-72) >
Malaysian unless stated
266 – Nick Sherwood (USA) 66-68-70-62
267 – Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70-67-68-62
270 – John Michael O’Toole (USA) 64-73-66-67
272 – Oscar Zetterwall (SWE) 69-68-69-66
274 – Danny Chia 69-73-67-65, Adam Blyth (AUS) 65-70-67-72
276 – Nicholas Fung 69-76-68-63, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 66-76-68-66, Sasidaran Muthiah 69-70-68-69, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 71-65-66-74
