Bae leads from start to finish in Japan
BY Bruce Young | Japan Tour | 2011 KBC Augusta | Wrap | 28 Aug 2011
Korean golfer Sang-Moon Bae has won his first Japan Golf Tour event with a two shot win over Tomohiro Kondo and Ryo Ishikawa at the Vana H KBC Augusta event at the Keya Golf Club in Fukuoka.
Bae led from his opening round of 65 and although joined in the lead by Kondo through 54 holes, Bae quickly re-established the outright lead with a birdie at his first hole today and eventually edged clear.
In just his second season in Japan, Bae had already established a presence in 2011 by twice finishing runner up and once third before the win today.
With victories in significant events in Korea earlier in his career, by making the cut at the US Open at Congressional in June and now this triumph in Japan however the 25 year old is giving every indication that he could well develop into a world class player.
Kondo, a five time winner in Japan, still had a chance as he stood on the 18th tee just one shot back but a bogey there saw him slip from outright second to a share of second position with the fast finishing Ishikawa who despite two early bogeys birdied eight of his last 14 holes to join Kondo.
Ishikawa is currently in 10th position on the International Presidents Cup points table and with those near to him doing little this week he should maintain that position with just three weeks until the ten who automatically qualify are finalised.
It was a good bounce back for the immensely talented 19 year old after overdoing things in his preparation for the PGA Championship two weeks ago. He had virtually burnt himself out even before the event got underway in the heat of Atlanta and his opening round of 85 told the story.
Brendan Jones finished as he leading Australian in 15th position although he will be bitterly disappointed at a back nine stumble when he dropped three consecutive shots. It was a good tournament considering the Canberra golfer’s lack of tournament play of late but one that could have been so much better.
Neven Basic continued his impressive rookie season in Japan when he finished 21st although he too will rue some back nine struggles today.
Kurt Barnes continues to consolidate his position on the Japan Golf Tour money list after starting the year with virtually no status. Barnes finished 35th and is now in 43rd position on the money list all but guaranteeing him of full status in 2012.
Paul Sheehan was 40th, Chris Campbell was 65th and Neil Sarkies produced a poor weekend after a good start to finish 69th.
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