November 01, 2015: It was raining birdies in Kuala Lumpur, but no one harvested better than Justin Thomas. The 22 year old American marched to the maiden title of his promising career with a resilient 66 in the final round for a one shot victory over a rampant Adam Scott. India’s Anirban Lahiri was struggling for fuel this week and an insipid 70 dropped him to T21 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Thomas was 5-under through the 13th hole, including a terrific eagle at the par-5 10th hole. But he suffered a sudden lapse in concentration, dropping two shots at the 14th hole, leaving his title hopes in danger.
Adam Scott had mounted a late challenge, posting a 63 that included seven birdies and an eagle to eclipse the field. At 25-under 263 the Aussie was comfortably perched with Thomas running out of holes.
“It was a great round of golf. I played great but they got off to a faster start and I chased hard but its’ probably not enough,” said Scott. “It was disappointing not to hit a better putt (on 18). It was a really big breaking putt and I completely didn’t trust it. It wasn’t even close. But I threw everything I could at it,” said Scott.
“These kids playing out on TOUR now are so good, they keep learning from the guys before, and they’re like experienced at 22. It’s another indication of how good a shape and how strong a shape the game’s in with these young guys really taking it to everyone,” added the clearly impressed Aussie star.
But Thomas isn’t considered a special talent for nothing – he underscored that potential making three straight birdies to sail past the Aussie and take the title.
It was a mighty effort on the finish line, the young American showing remarkable nerve and poise to ensure that he did not surrender to a powerful performance from the Aussie.
“It was really nice to make those birdies after that double on 14. I’m probably more proud of that than winning the tournament. The only thing you could do is what I did, just laugh it off. It was that bad of a shot in the circumstance,” said Thomas of his mishit approach shot.
“I told myself I had four holes left, that I was leading at that point, fortunately, and if I was tied or one back when that happened it would have been a huge deal. I really felt very calm and great all day.”
“The only time I really was nervous and jittery was on 18 probably hitting that bunker shot. And obviously the putt, if you couldn’t tell by how far past I hit it (first putt).”
Lahiri has been struggling this week – searching for form and energy as he tried to mount a challenge. But in a week where birdies were flowing freely, an effort of 70-67-67-70 was just not enough to offer any meaningful hope for the Indian.
Lahiri earned US$78,400 for his effort, an overall score of 14-under 274, a dozen shots off the pace set by Thomas. The American earned an impressive US$1,260,000 for the first title of his career.
Brendan Steele and Kevin Na tied for third at 24-under 264, the two men making 68 and 67 respectively in the final round. Japanese Hideki Matsuyama shot 67 in the final round to finish fifth at 22-under 266.
Scores after round 4 of the CIMB Classic being played at the par 72, 6,985 Yards Kuala Lumpur GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
262 – Justin Thomas (USA) 68-61-67-66.
263 – Adam Scott (AUS) 68-66-66-63.
264 – Brendan Steele (USA) 67-63-66-68, Kevin Na (USA) 67-66-64-67.
266 – Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 65-66-68-67.
267 – James Hahn (USA) 70-65-64-68.
269 – Scott Piercy (USA) 62-69-69-69, Brian Harman (USA) 70-63-66-70.
270 – Tony Finau (USA) 71-67-66-66.
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