Singapore: Marc Ong held his nerves in check to register his maiden professional victory in the fourth leg of the inaugural Singapore Pro Series Invitational presented by FTAG.

In a tense finale, Ong withstood the challenges of Gregory Foo, Mitchell Slorach and Mardan Mamat to triumph over the Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“This is my first win as a pro, so it means so much,” said 26-year-old Ong, who fired a closing two-under-par 70 to finish even for the tournament, and tie with Foo on 144. Victory was awarded to Ong on a countback, based on the final-round scores.

“It was close all the way and to come out on top against Greg and Mardan is great. I didn’t check the scores for most of the round but when I checked the App I saw we were tied, so that put the pressure on,” added Ong, a professional for three years who is based at Tanah Merah.

Two-time Singapore Open Amateur champion Foo appeared on course to repeat his success over the Tampines Course in the second leg of the Pro Series but came unstuck on the back nine, limping home in 42 and signing for a 75.

Nonetheless, he had the consolation of retaining top spot on the Order of Merit, ahead of Slorach and Ong.

Slorach tied for third, two shots back, alongside Mardan and Myanmar’s Zaw Moe, a former Singapore Open champion.

In the 73rd Singapore Open Amateur Championship – held concurrently with the Pro Series event ‒ Singapore’s Ryan Ang emerged victorious. He closed with a 74 to finish four-over for the event and beat pip countryman Justin Kuk by two shots.

Singapore’s Hailey Loh claimed the women’s title by five strokes from Aloysa Margiela Atienza.

The fifth leg of the Pro Series is scheduled to take place on August 4-5 over the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Launched this year by the Singapore Golf Association, the Series – consisting of eight legs held across two venues – aims to provide 18 Singapore top professionals and six local national amateurs who aspire to be Tour professionals, the chance to compete during the on-going global pandemic.

Global sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE, a Full Business Member of the AGIF, is event manager for the Series.