KUALA LUMPUR: National No 1 golfer Gavin Kyle Green outlasted veteran pro Danny Chia for a one-shot victory in the season-opening PGM Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy at Saujana Golf & Country Club today.
Gavin, who started the day with a four-shot lead, recorded a 71 in the final round for a four-day 13-under 275.
Danny concluded his final round by carding a 68 to finish second on 276.
Danny got off to a hot start with three birdies on the opening five holes to narrow the gap by one shot.
However, Gavin led again by four shots at the turn with birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth holes.
With two holes left to play, it looked like Gavin would easily win the title by three shots.
However, he overshot the green at the par-three 17th and had to take a penalty drop for an unplayable lie, ending it with a double bogey.
"It was indeed an exciting final day as I have not been in this position for a long time.
"There were so many things going on in my mind as my equipment is brand new.
"To be able to win under pressure is a huge plus for me. After the struggles last year, it's good to win again, especially on home soil," said Gavin, who heads to Nairobi tomorrow to resume his DP World Tour campaign in the Magical Kenya Open.
First-round leader Shahriffuddin Ariffin carded a final round 69 for a six-under to share with Kenneth De Silva, who shot 70. Khor Kheng Hwai was sole fifth on three-under after a closing 71, one shot ahead of Kemarol Baharin (70).
Zia Izzuddeen shot 70 to take the top amateur honours, finishing joint seventh on one-under with professional Danial Faidz.
The Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy is the opening event of the 2022 PGM Tour. It is named in honour of the circuit's founding chairman, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.
Final Scores
275 (-13): Gavin Green (68-67-69-71)
276 (-12): Danny Chia (65-69-74-68)
282 (-6): Shahriffuddin Ariffin (63-76-73-69), Kenneth De Silva (72-70-70-70)
285 (-3): Khor Kheng Hwai (69-72-73-71)
286 (-2): Kemarol Baharin (73-72-71-70)
287 (-1): Zia Izzuddeen (70-76-71-70), Danial Faidz (74-72-67-74)
289 (+1): Paul San (75-73-72-69)
290 (+2): Daeng Abdul Rahman