Source: PGM Tour.  

Showing the composure of a seasoned pro, top-ranked amateur player Low Khai Jei held his nerve to shoot a fourth and final round three-under 69 and win the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour’s Orna Closed Championship in Melaka today.

The 19-year-old, who finished in a tie for third at the PGM Northport Glenmarie Championship two weeks ago, an event co-sanctioned with the Asian Development Tour, secured his maiden Tour victory after finishing 14-under 274 at Orna Golf & Country Club this afternoon.

Starting the day with a three-stroke cushion over Nicholas Fung, Khai Jei was flawless over the first nine as he made the turn in three-under. After the 10th hole he was six shot clear of Fung. Indeed, the young man, who was in the tournament on merit, having earned his Tour card earlier in the season, had a back nine that was characterized by a disciplined even-par 36, picking up a birdie at the 16thhole and then giving the shot right back on the next.

Beaming with delight, the Taiping teenager said of his win: “It feels unbelievable. I’m very, very happy to have won on the PGM Tour here today.

“The competition in these events is stiff as there are many good players. But today I made sure that I tried to play my game without watching the others,” he added, to playing in the championship group with Fung and Khor Kheng Hwai.

“I had three birdies and pars through the first nine and that settled my nerves. I believed that I could do it. And after I birdied the 16th hole, the bogey at the next did not worry me as I had a good lead with one hole to go.”

Asked when he turn pro, given this latest development, which has proved that he can mix it with the pros and win, Khai Jei said: “I would still like to play in the Asia-Pacific Championships (an amateur event) so I will maybe turn pro next year.”

PGM Tour chairman, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abd Hamid, said they were pleased to see that their efforts of trying to help develop Malaysian golf were bearing fruit.

“We have an arrangement with the Malaysian Golf Association for them to send their National team to our Tour events, with a view to giving their players a chance to develop their game on Tour. And today’s result shows that it is good for golf in this country.”

Fung shot a 71 that left him on nine-under 279. He picked up what would have been the winner’s cheque RM30,600, given that Khai Jei as an amateur is not eligible to pocket the cash.

Ben Leong’s 70 propelled him to third place on seven-under 281, for which he collected RM20,340. Meanwhile, Khor had a 73 and finished on 282 – a massive eight strokes behind the winner in fourth place.

Wilson Choo carded a 73 for a 283 total and fifth spot, while Shaifubari Muda (71) and Mohd Amli (73) were tied for sixth, another shot back on four-under 284.

--Full Result--

Source: Asian Tour.  

The European Tour and the Asian Tour have today announced an innovative joint vision for the future of professional golf.

The vision will see the business element and the Membership portfolios of both Tours combine, reinforcing the current strengths of the two Tours by maximising global opportunities, as well as increasing playing opportunities and prize funds for the respective Memberships.

Both organisations will now enter into an exclusive discussion period, working through the key points with their respective Boards, Tournament Committees and Memberships. Further information about the specific details will be announced in due course.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of The European Tour, said: “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Asian Tour for many years and today’s announcement is the first step in the next stage of that partnership.

“I am excited about the prospect of what is to come and the opportunity that this announcement presents. Over the next few months we will work through, with our membership, all the specific details of what I believe will ultimately provide significant benefit to them.”

Mike Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour, said: “We are very pleased to announce the consolidation of our partnership with The European Tour which will greatly enhance the landscape of professional golf around the world, and particularly in Asia. This will benefit both memberships in creating greater playing and earning opportunities while also establishing a defined career pathway for all players.

“By combining strength with strength, we will ensure that professional golf in Asia will continue to enjoy sustained growth in the long-term; plus deliver a stronger platform for our members to excel. This initiative will ultimately create an inimitable platform that will enhance our appeal to sponsors, partners and golf fans around the world.”

The agreement is the natural extension in the existing partnership between the two Tours which stretches back to February 1999 when the first co-sanctioned tournament – the Malaysian Open – was staged at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur.

Since then there have been 92 co-sanctioned events offering considerable playing opportunities for Members of both Tours with total prize money in excess of €160 million.

High profile winners from both Tours have tasted tournament victories during this period including seven Asian Tour Order of Merit winners – Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Arjun Atwal, Thongchai Jaidee, David Lipsky, Jeev Milkha Singh, Thaworn Wiratchant and Liang Wen-chong – and seven European Tour Major Champions; Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, José Maria Olazábal, and the reigning European Number One Rory McIlroy.