Norquist Takes Malaysian Open
Tenacious American Gerry Norquist on Sunday became the first player to win five titles on the Asian PGA Tour after claiming the US$750,000 Benson & Hedges Malaysian Open by three strokes.
In an impressive display of front-running golf, that also earned the 36-year-old a two-year exemption to the PGA European Tour, Norquist triumphed after firing a final round 1-under-par 71 for a total of 8-under 280.
Germany's Alex Cejka and American Bob May finished second after rounds of 71 and 72 respectively at Saujana Golf and Country Club.
Taiwan's Chang Tse-peng, Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol, Scotland's Andrew Coltart, Ireland's Padraig Harrington, and American Shaun Micheel tied for fourth on 4-under 284.
"I don't even know what the winner's cheque is, but I know it's the biggest cheque I have ever made," said an overwhelmed Norquist. "I feel very privileged to be part of the PGA European Tour now."
Playing for the most important title of his 11-year career, which in addition to earning him a place in Europe is also worth US$121,125, Norquist was unflappable as he defended the lead he had held since the second round.
Micheel got closest to Norquist during the final round, and was two behind the leader with five holes to play. Micheel, however, handed the title to Norquist on the 15th when he hit his second shot into the water and took a double bogey.
"I hadn't looked at the leaderboard until I got to the tee of the 16th after Shaun had hit into the water," said Norquist, who was playing with Micheel. "I saw I was four ahead and felt if I parred the last three it would be miraculous for anyone to tie. I was very calm all day."
Micheel, winner of last year's Ericsson Singapore Open, ended with a 74. "I am not disappointed," said Micheel.
"I only missed one fairway all day. I didn't make the putts and made bogey at 14, doubled 15. On 15, I had the right club out at first (a seven), but did not want to be long so I hit an eight. I did not want to be short either. In hindsight I wish I had hit the 7-iron."
Defending champion Ed Fryatt and Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng took ninth place on 3-under-par 285.