Rodgers wins playoff at Asian Q-School Final

BY iseekgolf.com | Asian Tour | 2006 Asian Tour Q-School - Final Stage | Wrap | 14 Jan 2006

It was a dream start as Chris Rodgers won the playoff at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Finals on Saturday.

The Englishman defeated Ross Bain of Scotland in the playoff with an even-par at the par five 18th hole at Palm Resort Golf and Country Club’s Cempaka Course. Bain struggled in the bunker and was five on while Rodgers two putted for the win at the 547 yards 18th hole.

“Simply delighted. I have come in second place a few times before in Asian Tour tournaments and finishing on top here is a fantastic start to the year for me,” said Rodgers.

“I have not dropped a shot in the past three days and I am very happy with my overall performance, really looking forward to the season now,” said the winner.

In regulation play, Rodgers enjoyed a blemish free round as he birdied the 18th and seventh holes in the final round and scored two-under-par 70.

He was in the lead in the fourth round as he carded a four-day total of 14-under-par 274. But Bain was on the charge when he scored a 68 in the final round to force a playoff with Rodger.

Only the top 40 and ties from the Final round earned their cards for the 2006 Asian Tour season.

Third round leader Lee Sung-man of Korea scored a 73 as he settled in third position with a total of 275.

After firing a 69 in the final round, Iain Steel emerged the highest ranked local golfer when he was tied fourth position to a total of 277.

“I am pleased that I managed to get the rhythm going in the closing stages since I had to battle the scorching heat today,” said Steel.

Steel birdied the second hole after a massive 25 foot putt and then bogeyed the fourth. He had two more birdies on the 10th and 11th holes before a 20 foot putt at the 13th hole. He will join fellow countryman S. Murthy who was even-par for the day. Murthy made the cut when he finished tied 33rd to a total of 284.

“There are some great players on the Asian Tour and I am eager to get started,” said Steel.

Australian Brad Kennedy, who was in the leading fray, finished tied seventh when he carded a 77 to a total of 279.

Pakistan’s No.2 golfer Mohamed Shabbir Iqbal carded a 74 and finished tied ninth while Manila Sea Games gold medalist Juvic Pagunsan was in 14th position when he scored a 74.

Australasian Tour Card Qualifiers
T7 -9 Anthony Brown AUS (72-65-65-77)
T7 -9 Brad Kennedy AUS (62-69-71-77)

T9 -8 Jason King AUS (66-70-74-70)
T9 -8 Michael Wright AUS (69-70-72-69)

T14 -7 Gavin Flint AUS (70-70-73-68)
T14 -7 Rowan Beste AUS (71-68-71-71)

T23 -6 Ewan Porter AUS (68-71-70-73)
T23 -6 Luke Hickmott AUS (76-68-72-66)
T23 -6 Simon Nash AUS (72-69-69-72)

T31 -5 Kevin Chun NZL (69-73-71-70)
T31 -5 Tony Carolan AUS (72-68-70-73)

T33 -4 Adam Porker AUS (74-64-74-72)
T33 -4 Brad Iles NZL (74-69-70-71)
T33 -4 Henry Perks AUS (71-69-71-73)
T33 -4 Kane Webber AUS (72-72-69-71)
T33 -4 Matt Holten NZL (69-70-71-74)

Source – Asian Tour