Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang is two-shot lead over Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Shaun Norris of South Africa after the third round of the US$1.5 million Ho Tram Open on Saturday.
But on the final day, all four players: Lin Wen-tang, Sergio Garcia, Thaworn Wiratchant and Himmat Rai finished the 72 regulation holes tied at 14-under par after a dramatic ending at The Bluffs links course designed by Greg Norman.
Garcia finished his final round with the score 3-under par 68.
Thaworn Wiratchan had a great day when he finished 18 holes with the score 4-under par 67.
Lin Wen-tang missed his great chance to be the winner of Ho Tram Open when he finished his fourth round with score just 1-under par. He missed too many short birdie putts (8,13 and 14). “I three-putted on the 17th hole and I think that’s the turning point. Overall, I’m still very happy because I played well against a very good field this week.” Said Lin
The one-time Asian Tour winner – Himmat Rai lying fourth after the third round, shot four-under 67 including an eagle and a bogey. “Eagle on hole 16: It was 122 yards to the flag. I hit a pitching wedge and the moment I hit it, I knew it would be close but it rolled back.”
It’s the first time in four years that there are more than three players in a play-off on the Asian Tour. The last time was at the 2011 Handa Singapore Open where there were five players in a play-off and Himmat Rai won on the sixth extra hole!
World number 12 Sergio Garcia prevailed in a four-way play-off to win in the inaugural US$1.5 million Ho Tram Open after an enthralling final round on Sunday.
In the first extra hole on 18, Garcia made a birdie by a putt from 35 feet which was matched by Rai, who coolly converted from five feet. Lin And Thaworn tried their best but couldn’t make their birdies and had to say good-bye to the race.
The Spanish golf star then claimed a popular victory with a par after Rai dropped a bogey in the second extra hole.
The victory at the Ho Tram Open marked Garcia’s 23rd career Tour wins and his first since January 2014 came with a cheque of US$270,000. He now holds a total of five Asian Tour titles. “I was fortunate to get a second chance after I pretty much gave it away. I’m very happy as I haven’t won in a while.” Said Garcia
