Jakarta, Indonesia: Teenager Kim Joo-hyung overturned a five-shot deficit before defeating overnight leader Mardan Mamat in a play-off to claim his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament presented by Panasonic.
The 17-year-old Kim calmly rolled home a four-foot birdie putt to beat Mardan on the first extra hole, the par-five 18th at Damai Indah Golf (BSD Course). He pocketed the US$19,250 top prize that puts him firmly in the race for the ADT Order of Merit title.
The Korean fired a flawless five-under-par 67 to force extra-time with Singaporean veteran Mardan, who battled to a 72. The duo tied on 18-under-par 270 in regulation play.
Kim birdied four of five holes starting from the fourth before picking up a further birdie on 18.
In contrast, Mardan’s round included three birdies and three bogeys, all of which came in the opening nine.
Kim’s success made up for a disappointment in Indonesia three weeks ago when he was forced to withdraw from the Gunung Geulis Golf Invitational supported by Nomura due to an injury.
“To be able to come back to Indonesia to win following my injury setback was really fulfilling. I had to withdraw from the Gunung Geulis event because of the pain I suffered between my shoulder and back. I went back to Korea to seek treatment and do my rehab. I was really determined and motivated to get back on my feet ahead of the Ciputra event.
“But today, I didn’t think I could win as Mardan was playing so well. Being five shots behind is a mountain to climb and I just told myself to give it my best shot,” said Kim.
Kim’s victory propelled him to second on the Order of Merit with season earnings of US$41,227.85, about US$2,000 behind leader Naoki Sekito of Japan (US$43,900.20).
“Game on! With this win, I’m now back in the Order of Merit race and relishing a big battle with Naoki for the rest of the season,” said Kim, who won his first ADT title at the PGM ADT Tiara Melaka in June. He is now only one win shy of securing a direct promotion to the Asian Tour.
Indonesian amateur Naarajie E. Ramadhan Putra closed with a 66 to tie for ninth place, his best outing on the ADT. Upstaging his professional compatriots, he’s earned a maiden Asian Tour start outside Indonesia, at the Panasonic Open Japan in 2020.
Co-sanctioned by the ADT and the Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia, the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament 2019 presented by Panasonic was the 11th leg of the 2019 ADT season and the third event to be played in Indonesia this year.