2006 GS Caltex Maekyung Open - Round 4: Suk wins with 72nd hole birdie

Korea's Suk Jong-ryul produced a heroic final-hole birdie to lift the US$600,000 GS Caltex Maekyung Open title on Sunday for his maiden Asian Tour triumph.

The 38-year-old Suk fired a flawless five-under-par 67 in the final round to pip American Bryan Saltus, who also closed with a 67, by one stroke at Lakeside Country Club. Suk, who amassed a four-day total of 17-under-par 271, took home a cheque of US$125,000.

Overnight leader Lee Sung of Korea faded on the back nine for a closing 72 to share third place with India's Amandeep Johl and local amateur Noh Seung-yul, who carded matching 66s. The trio finished three shots behind the winner.

Suk, who started the final round two shots off the lead, teed up on the 18th knowing that a birdie would seal a home victory, with Saltus setting the clubhouse mark on 16-under. After splitting the fairway with his drive, the Korean hit one of his best shots of the week, nailing a wedge to three feet for an easy winning birdie.

"This week, I was very nervous out there as there are always high expectations from the home fans," said a jubilant Suk, who earned his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School in January.

"I'm now looking forward to playing a full season on the Asian Tour with my winner's exemption of two years. Playing in the Qualifying School taught me a lot and it also helped give me confidence as it was a tough test.

"It's really nice to win here as all my family and friends were out on the course supporting me all week," added Suk, who carded five birdies with no bogeys.

Saltus enjoyed his best finish yet on the Asian Tour, thanks to a back nine charge where he romped home in 32 which included a chip-in birdie on the 11th hole. It was a welcome return to form for the colourful American who was hampered by a wrist injury early this season.

"It's a nice feeling. I can't imagine what I'm going to buy myself with the money that I've won," said the 35-year-old Saltus, who earned his career best cheque of US$78,125. "I've been bothered by my wrist injury since the end of last year but it's finally gotten better. There was a lot of magic everyday and my chipping was simply awesome all week. I chipped in for birdie on 11 today and on Friday, I made a chip in eagle on 18."

It was a disappointing finish for Lee, who was born deaf, as he had led from the opening round to eventually finish three behind Suk. He held on gamely with a front nine 35 but three straight bogeys from the 11th hole put paid to his hopes. Still, the Korean, who communicates through lip-reading, could afford a smile, especially after two birdies over the last three holes saw him earn tied third place.

"No problem," said Lee's father, Kang-kun. "It is still a good week. Hopefully, the first win will come for him soon."

Kim Dae-sub, a two-time Korean Open champion, made the early charge with an outward 32 but faltered on the inward nine for a 69 and earned sixth place on his own on 275.

Australian Park Boo-won and Scott Hend of Australia were a further stroke back on 276 while American JB Holmes, a winner on the US PGA Tour this season, slipped to tied 14th place after a 75 which included a disastrous 11 on the par five 11th hole when he sent two tee shots into out of bounds.

Korea's Charlie Wi, currently second on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, shared ninth place with Australian Scott Barr, who produced the day's best of 65.

Leading final round scores

271 - Suk Jong-ryul (KOR) 67-69-68-67

272 - Bryan Saltus (USA) 69-68-68-67

274 - Noh Seung-yul [A] (KOR) 69-69-70-66, Amandeep Johl (IND) 69-69-70-66, Lee Sung (KOR) 67-66-69-72

275 - Kim Dae-sub (KOR) 68-70-68-69

276 - Scott Hend (AUS) 70-72-67-67, Park Boo-won (KOR) 70-71-68-67

277 - Scott Barr (AUS) 68-73-71-65, Shin Yong-jin (KOR) 70-68-71-68, Charlie Wi (KOR) 69-70-70-68

278 - Iain Steel (MAS) 70-70-68-70

279 - Jarrod Lyle (AUS) 71-72-64-72

280 - Mo Joong-kyung (KOR) 72-72-69-67, Choi Jin-ho (KOR) 71-70-71-68, Kim Chang-yoon (KOR) 71-70-71-68, Park Sang-eon (KOR) 75-68-68-69, J B Holmes (USA) 71-71-63-75, Chung Joon (KOR) 69-70-69-72

281 - Kang Ji-man (KOR) 75-67-71-68, Kim Sang-ki (KOR) 70-65-72-74, 282 - Chung Jae-hoon (KOR) 71-73-69-69, Kang Wook-soon (KOR) 73-69-70-70, Lee Seong-ho (KOR) 68-68-73-73

April 30, 2006

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