Australian Rick Kulacz claimed his second Asian Tour title at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters yesterday after a sensational course record equaling eight-under 63 in the final round.
The 24-year-old Kulacz, who started the final day six strokes off the lead, fired eight birdies in a flawless round for an 11-under 273 total at the Seri Selangor Golf Club to pip overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand by a single stroke.
Kiradech, 20, shot 17 pars and one birdie for a closing 70 to settle for second place.
PHOTO: AFP/ASIA TOUR
Mark Purser of New Zealand finished third on 276 following a fine 67, while South Africa’s James Kamte ended the tournament with a 69 for fourth place on 277. Noh Seung-yul of South Korea, Japan’s Kodai Ichihara and India’s Gaurav Ghei shared fifth on 278.
“To get a win from out of nowhere is really enjoyable because the year has been pretty average. I’ll probably enjoy this one a little bit more than the last,” said Kulacz, who won the Brunei Open last year.
Kulacz’s return to the winner’s circle was a relief as he had missed eight cuts during the front half of the year, which prompted him to work with a new coach.
“I was holing every putt I saw today and I will take this score any time,” Kulacz said.
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