Jonathan Moore thrashes Artemio Murakami to win his maiden title in PGM-ADT-CCM Impian Classic
American Jonathan Moore clinched his first Asian title at the PGM-ADT-CCM Impian Classic at the Asian Development Tour, owning most part of his success to Filipino Artemio Murakami’s misfortunes.
Murakami, also the defending champion of this week’s ICTSI Philippines Open, was leading the final round at the turn, but drove into dreadful bogeys at the 10th to settle for second place, three shots behind Moore.
Moore, former US Walker Cup team member, closed his final round at five-under 67 with an aggregate of 22-under, 266 to win the $67,000 event. The 26-year-old rookie, whose bag was carried over by his wife Claire, who was caddying for him, pulled in three
straight birdies from 13th hole onwards to grab a convincing lead after Murakami’s misadventure caused him to fall back.
“It feels great, it was a lot of fun. My wife is with me and we’re having a great time,” said Moore, who is coming out of an excellent week in ClearWater Masters where he finished tied for third.
“Artemio played phenomenal golf and I felt kind of bad seeing what happened to him. It was a lot closer than it was. I was trailing by quite a lot as he shot five under on the front nine. He played great. But some putts fell in for me at a crucial time.
I had a good week last week and it is kind of funny as I’ve actually tried to play more conservative golf and suddenly, I start shooting low scores. It’s a crazy game,” added the American, who pocketed RM35, 000 (approximately US$11,666).
Murakami, although dejected, vowed to defend his title at the ICTSI Philippines Open next week and feels he is on top of his game at the moment. India’s Himmat Rai, who had led the first three rounds of the event, was also disappointed with his poor putting.
Rai is one of the rising Indian golfers who have won laurels for their country in several tournaments but failed to win the tournament, finishing with an over-Par, 75.
Chinese Taipei’s Chang Tse-peng finished in the third place, four shots behind Moore. Will Yanagisawa of the US, finished further behind for the fourth place with his rounds of 67, 67, 69 and 68.
Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone for the Asian Tour and is endorsed and recognized by the same. The tour operates and functions on the likes of European Champions Tour and the Nationwide Tour on the PGA. Launched in 2010, the tour helps professional
golfers to find a pathway towards a career in professional circuit on the Asian Tour.
The tour picks up players from the qualifying school and the Top 3, at the end of the season, are awarded their tour cards to play on the Asian Tour. The Asian Development Tour is designed to provide a launching pad for the budding golfers of Asia, ensuring
a proper career in professional golf.
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