Lee Westwood
JAKARTA, Indonesia - Third-ranked Lee Westwood retained his Indonesian Masters title Sunday with a two-stroke victory despite a shaky final round.
The 39-year-old Englishman, who completed his delayed third round with a 7-under 65 to take an imposing eight-shot lead in the morning, shot a 2-over 74 in his final round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club for a 16-under total of 272.
"Today was hard. It is never easy playing in these conditions and I had to play 32 holes," Westwood said of the grueling final day. "I was really feeling it on the back nine. When you are in contention and under pressure, it seems to zap your energy faster."
He opened his fourth round with a birdie but then had two bogeys at the 5th and 6th holes before closing the front-nine with birdie. Westwood then birdied the 10th, followed by a bogey and also dropped shots on the 13th and 14th.
"You never know how to play with such a big lead ... It was a case of staying patient and calm and playing the holes correctly. It was exhausting," added Westwood.
He added that he was hopeful that the victory would kick-start his season.
"Hopefully I can go on and win other tournaments. It is tough when you are the favourite because if you don't win then it will be disappointing," said Westwood. "There was a lot of pressure so I'm glad I did it."
Former top-ranked Asian Tour player Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand fired a 5-under 67 in his final round to finish second on 14-under 274.
"I felt tired after the 12th hole. I couldn't really hit my shots properly so I'm quite surprised with the way I finished," said Wiratchant. "I haven't won in a while but I've come close this season so I hope to keep the momentum going."
Two-time winner Gaganjeet Bhullar of India and countryman Shiv Kapur were tied at 12-under 276 for third place, followed by compatriot Anirban Lahiri in fourth on 11 under.
Ron Harvey Jr., of Sussex, New Brunswick finished tied for 38th at even par after a final round 74.