By Rahul Banerji
Marc Leishman swept aside every challenge as he smashed his way to a fourth career US PGA Tour title at the $7 million CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
The powerful Australian annihilated the field in winning by a massive five strokes with rounds of 68, 62, 67 and 65 to total 1 25-undr par total of 262.
He finished five shots ahead of Emiliano Grillo, Chesson Headley and Brnson Burgoon, all of whom had 21-under 267s.
Lost momentum
Shubhankar Sharma who shared the overnight lead with Leishman and Gary Woodland was unable to sustain his run and finished in a tie for 10th place.
On Sunday, Sharma, who was also celebrating his 22nd birthday, finished with a level par 72 that had five birdies and as many bogeys.
Sharma was the only player in the Top-25 not to go under par on Sunday but he and Korea’s Si-Woo Kim (65) were the best Asians in the field.
The birthday boy never really got going as he had done in earlier rounds and despite five gained shots, little errors off the tee and on the greens sank his hopes.
Part of the problem was also the relentless pressure posed by Leishman’s formidable hitting that gave the chasing pack no chances at all.
Gaganjeet Bhullar finished with a 7-under 65 that lifted him into a tie for 27th on 13-under 275.
After a bogey and two birdies on his outbound nine, Bhullar had five birdies and an eagle in eight holes before finishing with a bogey.
Anirban Lahiri (70) was 4-under 284 for the week, while Rahil Gangjee (72) was 5-over and T-75th.
Low round
Two-time champion (2015, 2016) Justin Thomas played the low round of the day at 8-under 64 to end up T-5 alongside overnight co-leader Gary Woodland (71), Charles Howell III (67), Mexican Abraham Ancer (65) and former Open winner, Louis Oosthuizen (69).
Leishman, who nearly quit the game when his wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, completed a brilliant week. His total of 26-under 262 equalled the tournament record set in 2015 by Thomas.
For Shubhankar, there was disappointment at not being able to get his breakthrough PGA Tour win.
“It was disappointing, but I would have gladly taken this before the start, coming from where I was before this week.
“A Top-10, my second one on the PGA Tour and a 19-under total is not bad. It gives me a good feeling for next two weeks in Korea and Shanghai,” he added.
The final round in golf is always so challenging even for a seasoned pro. You need to keep your cool or maybe take some calculated risks. Better luck next time young man.