Jakarta: James Bowen of the United States savoured a memorable week when he posted a final round two-under-par 70 to claim his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the inaugural Jakarta Classic on Saturday.
The American totalled 12-under-par 276 to edge out Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang by two shots despite making bogeys on the second and 14th holes at the Imperial Klub Golf.
Chan, who was the first round leader, mixed his card with six birdies and two bogeys to settle for second place while Australian Darren Tan recorded a 71 for third place finish at the US$60,000 ADT event.
England’s Grant Jackson, a one-time winner on the ADT, and Malaysia’s Arie Fauzi took a share of fourth place after posting scores of 70 and 72 respectively at the Jakarta Classic, which is the seventh leg on the ADT schedule this season.
Bowen has been in commanding form all week since he took over the lead from Chan after the second round.
“I’m feeling great. Winning two professional titles in a year is a great accomplishment for me. It really means a great deal to me. I feel like my hard work is finally paying off,” said the 27-year-old, who traded four birdies and two bogeys.
“I had a great boost in confidence and I’m very excited about the remaining season ahead. It would be great if I can win again before the season ends,” added Bowen, who is hoping to earn his Asian Tour card for 2014 by finishing top three on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season.
Bowen, who earned US$10,500 for his victory, will take over the lead on the ADT Order of Merit from Malaysia’s Nicolas Fung.
The American will also receive six Official World Golf Ranking points courtesy of his triumph this week.
Meanwhile, Chan could not help but feel disappointed about missing out on his maiden ADT win after posting a brilliant final round 68 .
However, he is still optimistic and confident of doing better in the remaining season ahead.
“I was so close to winning but I guess it’s alright. I am happy that I played well today. Finishing second in my first ADT event this year has given me a lot of confidence as well. I will continue to work hard and hopefully I can play better next time!” said Chan, who topped his country’s Order of Merit in 2010.
The top three players to finish on the ADT Order of Merit will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.
Starting this season, all ADT events will receive Official World Golf Ranking points which will help players qualify for the World Cup of Golf in November and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Winners on the ADT will receive a minimum of six world ranking points while the top six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.
The Official Water for this week’s Jakarta Classic is Jeju Sam Da Soo, one of the leading Korean Water Brands.
Leading final round scores:
276 – James BOWEN (USA) 70 66 70 70
278 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 67 73 70 68
280 – Darren TAN (AUS) 73 69 67 71
281 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 73 65 73 70, Arie FAUZI (MAS) 68 73 68 72
282 – Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 71 70 72 69
284 – Rory HIE (INA) 76 67 71 70, Iain STEEL (MAS) 73 72 69 70, Jake STIRLING (AUS) 70 71 72 71
285 – LIN Kuan-po (TPE) 75 69 71 70, KOH Deng Shan (SIN) 72 68 74 71
