In a thrilling finish at the Maybank Championship, Celine Boutier emerged victorious after a nine-hole playoff against Atthaya Thitikul. With a closing round of 8-under 64, Boutier secured her fourth LPGA Tour title this year, showcasing her exceptional skill and composure.
Thitikul, who shot a solid 68 with a birdie on the 18th hole, forced the playoff at 21-under 267. The playoff was a nail-biting battle, with both players exhibiting remarkable shot-making abilities. Each hole saw nearly identical shots and tantalizingly close winning putts that narrowly missed. The intense competition was further heightened by a storm delay lasting 90 minutes at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Ultimately, on the ninth playoff hole on the par-3 15th, Thitikul narrowly missed her birdie putt, providing an opening for Boutier. Unfazed by the pressure, Boutier calmly sank her 6-foot putt for victory. This marathon nine-hole playoff equaled the LPGA record for the second longest playoff in history.
Boutier’s remarkable season includes her first major win at the Evian Championship, further solidifying her reputation as one of the top players in the LPGA Tour.
In the European Tour’s Qatar Masters, Sami Välimäki of Finland secured his second career title after a captivating battle with Jorge Campillo. Välimäki shot a 3-under 69 to finish at 18-under 270, forcing a playoff with Campillo, who birdied the 18th hole with a closing round of 70.
On the first playoff hole at the par-5 18th, Campillo managed only a par while Välimäki sealed the victory with a decisive birdie. This win adds to Välimäki’s previous European tour title at the 2020 Oman Open, which was also won in a playoff.
Campillo had high hopes of winning the Qatar Masters for the second time, having claimed the title in 2020. However, he fell just short in this closely contested event. Scott Jamison and Nacho Elvira tied for third, finishing two shots behind the leaders.
In the Asia-Pacific Amateur, Australian Jasper Stubbs staged an incredible comeback, erasing a six-shot deficit with a closing round of 3-under 69. Stubbs secured the victory on the second playoff hole, earning a coveted spot in next year’s Masters and British Open.
During the playoff, Stubbs and Sampson Zheng both birdied the par-5 18th hole, while Ding Wenyi was eliminated with a par. Stubbs eventually clinched the title with another birdie on the 18th. Zheng, who held a four-shot lead heading into the final round, faltered with a 75, while Ding finished with a 70.
For Stubbs, winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur on his home turf at Royal Melbourne holds special significance. He becomes the second consecutive Australian and the fourth overall to claim this prestigious title.
Turning to other tours, South Korea triumphed in the World Amateur Team Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, led by Minsol Kim’s impressive 4-under 68 and Kyroim Seo’s steady 71. South Korea secured their fourth victory in the past seven years, edging out Taiwan by four shots. Spain finished one shot further back to claim the bronze. The tournament concluded on Saturday.
On the Ladies European Tour, Alison Lee produced a record-breaking performance in the Aramco Team Series-Riyadh. Lee shot a scintillating 7-under 65 to secure an eight-shot victory over Carlota Ciganda. Her exceptional play set new records for both 36 holes (122) and 54 holes, finishing at a remarkable 29-under 187.
In the Sunshine Tour’s SunBet Challenge in South Africa, Martin Rowher closed with a superb 6-under 65 to win in a playoff against Christiaan Burke. Rowher’s outstanding performance showcased his skill and determination.
The Senior Italian Open on the Legends Tour witnessed a remarkable comeback by James Kingston. Coming from seven shots behind, Kingston shot a sensational 11-under 61 to secure a one-shot victory over Peter Baker and Adilson Da Silva.
Lastly, Hana Lee emerged triumphant in the Hisako Higuchi Mitsubishi Electric Ladies on the Japan LPGA after a thrilling three-way playoff against Yuka Nii and Miyuu Yamashita. Lee displayed her talent with a closing round of 3-under 67.
For more golf news, visit https://apnews.com/hub/golf.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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