Published July 17, 2008 on July 29, 2018

Salah Triumphs at the PGM Northport Championship

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Josh Salah of the United States was victorious after beating Bangladesh’s Shakhawat Shohel after three extra holes at the PGM Northport Championship.

Salah and Shakhawat were tied on 13-under-par 275 at the end of regulation play at the RM225,000 (approximately US$58,000) event, hosted by Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

The 27-year-old Salah, who carded a bogey-free six-under-par 66, had a great chance to win at the first playoff hole, but his ball narrowly lipped out. He also missed another opportunity from six feet at the second extra hole.

The play-off was moved from the 18th hole to the 17th hole and that was where Salah managed to edge ahead of Shakhawat. The Bangladeshi drove it into the right hazard and was not able to get up-and-down, while Salah parred the hole for his second win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).

Starting the day three shots behind the leader, Salah closed the deficit with birdies on holes one, three and five. Crucial par saves on the ninth and the 18th allowed him to force his way into the play-off.

“At the ninth, I drove my tee shot into the trees. After punching it out, I had about 80 yards left but I hit a huge wedge shot and putted in for par. The 18th was also crucial. I rolled it in for par from around nine feet to keep it at 13-under-par. Otherwise, I would have missed out on the playoffs,” said Salah, who will receive six Official World Golf Ranking points.

He added: “I was planning to play in the Royal Cup Qualifier but I just didn’t feel right about it. I know Glenmarie very well and I liked my chances here. Now that I’ve won, I’ll be aiming for one of the seven Asian Tour cards on offer for the 2019 season. I’m ready for the next step.”

Kemarol Baharin emerged as the top local finisher at the PGM Northport Championship. The Malaysian signed for a flawless 66 to grab lone third place.

“I’ve had an exception round today. My short game was on point and this is the first time I did not three-putt in the entire round. Overall, I’m very happy with my performance. Last week, I won a tournament on the local circuit and that has probably helped set me up for this week,” said Kemarol.

The PGM Northport Championship is the 10th leg on the ADT’s 2018 schedule. The leading seven players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

 

Leading Scores After Four Rounds

275 – Josh SALAH (USA) 70 69 70 66, Shakhawat SOHEL (BAN) 71 68 67 69

277 – Kemarol BAHARIN (MAS) 69 73 69 66

278 – Varanyu RATTANAPHIBOONKIJ (THA) 69 70 71 68, Ervin CHANG (A) (MAS) 75 66 67 70

279 – KOH Deng Shan (SGP) 71 68 74 66, CHOO Tze Huang (SGP) 71 71 68 69, Chanat SAKULPOLPHAISAN (THA) 71 66 71 71

280 – R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 72 70 67 71

281 – Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 69 71 73 68, Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 69 68 74 70, Janne KASKE (FIN) 68 72 71 70, Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 68 71 71 71, Scott BARR (AUS) 72 71 65 73

282 – Sam GILLIS (USA) 78 67 70 67, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 74 70 69 69, Shariffuddin ARIFFIN (MAS) 71 70 70 71

283 – Daeng Abdul Rahman (MAS) 72 66 72 73, Sukree OTHMAN (MAS) 68 69 72 74

284 – Erwan VIEILLEDENT (FRA) 68 72 71 73

285 – Phanuvich ONCHU (THA) 73 71 75 66, Naoki SEKITO (JPN) 72 71 67 75