HONG KONG, 13 Jan 2016, (HK Golfer News Wire) - Australian Barr, who finished runner-up to Park in the championship for three straight years from 2013 to 2015, overcame a potentially disastrous triple bogey early on in his round by holding his nerve down the closing stretch with a brilliant short game display.
The Asian Tour regular, who held a three-shot lead overnight, finished with a 69 for a four-under-par total to pip Park, who was round in 67, by a stroke. Hong Kong's James Stewart placed third, a further seven shots back.
"It feels great to have finally pulled it off," said Barr, who lost a ball with his tee shot at the par-5 sixth on his way to an eight, which put him back level with Park, who birdied the hole. "I said I was going to attack the course today, which was what I did, but it backfired on me with the triple bogey. It threw the tournament wide open, but I composed myself and was able to play nicely down the back nine to get it done. I'm a happy man."
The lead exchanged hands on numerous occasions down the closing stretch but a Barr birdie at the par-5 16th went unanswered and he sealed his maiden triumph with an exquisite chip at the Eden Course's famous closing hole.
"I've been chipping really well and I just backed myself there. I could have putted it but I went with the chip and it came off perfectly," continued the Singapore-based 43-year-old, who collected a cheque for HK$100,000.
While Park was unable to extend his amazing winning streak to five, the Australian was full of praise for his compatriot.
"I couldn't have done much more," said Park, who had four birdies and just one dropped shot in his three-under-par effort. "I hit the ball great from tee to green and missed out on a few putts, but I take my hat off to Scott. He fought back really well after he made the triple and deserved to win."
Leon D'Souza earned top amateur honours after finishing in a tie for fourth alongside Nathan Goulding on five-over-par, seven shots ahead of tournament drawcard Rich Beem who struggled to a 76 and a share of eighth place.
"I didn't have my best stuff out there but it's been a great tournament – a really enjoyable week," said the 45-year-old major champion, who held off Tiger Woods to claim the 2002 PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club. "Hong Kong is such an amazing city and I hope to be able to come back and play again next year. I can't praise the tournament highly enough."
