Fifth Time's the Charm

Final Round – 6 January

Park’s love affair with the FTLife HKPGA Championship continued as the Korean-born Australian held off the challenge of his compatriot, defending champion Barr, with a two-under-par 68 to finish with a three-under total. Barr, who like Park is an Asian Tour regular, was also round in 68 to end one shot shy, while Hong Kong’s Shinichi Mizuno, playing in his first event as a pro, finished in a share of third place alongside Wong Woon-man, two further shots back.

“I didn’t make it easy on myself but I was happy to be able to hang on and get it done. It’s a great feeling.” The 42-year-old Park said, who finished second to Barr 12 months ago and collected a cheque for HK$100,000 with the title this year.

Park, who started the round in a share of the lead alongside Wong and Hong Kong veteran Boulet, flew out of the gates with three front-nine birdies to establish a healthy lead. A double bogey at the 13th cut the Singapore-based player’s lead to just two, but a timely birdie at the par-5 15th followed by a steady run of pars was enough to deny a fast-finishing Barr.

Anthony Kang earned fifth spot, while Boulet, who had downplayed his chances of earning a third FTLife HKPGA title, slumped to a disappointing 77 to finish in sixth.

“After I made double I saw how close it had become, with Scott making a move. It wasn’t so comfortable at that point but I’m proud of the way I knuckled down and got across the finishing line,” added Park.