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Bhullar ends trophy drought with victory in South Korea
SEOUL: Ganganjeet Bhullar ended a long trophy drought with a onestroke victory at the Shinhan Donghae Open in South Korea on Sunday for his sixth title on the Asian
SEOUL: Ganganjeet Bhullar ended a long trophy drought with a onestroke victory at the Shinhan Donghae Open in South Korea on Sunday for his sixth title on the Asian Tour.
The 28-year-old, who last won in 2013, carded a final round four-under-par 67 for a tournament total of 15-under 269 at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon.
Tour rookie Scott Vincent (69) of Zimbabwe and local favourite Kim Tae-woo (71) finished a stroke behind.
Bhullar carded four birdies in five holes after making the turn in 34 and it took him to the top of the leaderboard at 17-under, with a four-shot advantage.
But bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes halted his victory charge and Bhullar had to wait nervously to see if Vincent and Kim, playing in the final group, would force a playoff.
Bhullar said, “I knew I was leading by four shots and somehow 16 was one of the toughest holes and I had to keep the ball in play and try to make a par at least. But I made a bogey there after hitting the water. Despite those two bogeys, I was still mentally strong and I knew that nobody was going to stop me from winning today.”
He continued: “This win means a lot to me. The last time I won was back in 2013. I’ve gone through one of the lowest phases of my career over the last two seasons when I also suffered a wrist injury. I lost my European Tour card and my winner’s status on the Asian Tour in the last two years.
“I’m glad and proud of myself that I’ve managed to overcome all the difficulties through my hard work and determination. I thank my coach and my family for all their support that helped me in getting my career back on track,” added Bhullar.
US POISED TO END RYDER CUP WAIT
CHASKA: Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy teed off on Sunday in the opening singles match at the Ryder Cup with the United States needing only five wins to take the trophy as organisers pleaded for calm amongst fans.
The US team took a 9 1/2 - 6 1/2 lead by winning Saturday’s last three four-ball matches, setting up a tension-packed finish at Hazeltine for 12 concluding singles matches in the biennial team golf showdown.
With emotions running high, the PGA of America warned fans that they face being kicked out of the grounds if there is a repeat of some of the abuse aimed at European players over the first two days.
“There are still 12 points to be played and you just can’t get off the game plan, just keep grinding it out for one more day,” US captain Davis Love said.
Europe seeks an unprecedented fourth win in a row over the Americans, who have dropped six of the past seven and eight of the past 10 in the rivalry.
