Justin Thomas outlasts scrappy Adam Scott for maiden win at CIMB Classic
Young American picks up his first PGA Tour title as he birdies four of the last six holes to hold off former Masters champion from Australia
Justin Thomas birdied four of his last six holes to hold off a spirited charge by Adam Scott and earn his maiden PGA Tour victory on Sunday at the CIMB Classic.
Thomas’ six-under-par 66 left him at 26-under for the tournament, one stroke better than former Masters winner Scott, who nearly snagged a come-from-behind victory with a superb 63.
But I just kept telling myself I controlled the tournament before that shot, so I just need to get back in it
Thomas, who led after the second and third rounds, nearly threw it all away down the stretch when he chunked a shot into the water on the 14th hole for a double bogey.
“But I just kept telling myself I controlled the tournament before that shot, so I just need to get back in it,” said Thomas, 22, who set a course record 61 in the second round.
“I had four more holes to try to make some more birdies and was fortunate enough to do it.”
The Kentucky-born American, who turned professional in 2013, rallied to birdie the next three holes and went on to clinch the win, US$1.26 million in prize money, and 500 FedEx Cup points.
The hot, humid conditions at the par-72 Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club had yielded a slew of sub-65 rounds throughout the tournament, and nothing less than a scintillating performance would win it on Sunday.
