Randhawa is first Indian to top Asia’s Order of Merit

Korean teenager Kevin Na won the final event of the Tour by two strokes at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, according to information received here.

It was the first year as a pro on the Davidoff Tour for the 19-year-old Na. He fired a spectacular closing round of six-under-par 66 to win the $90,000 top prize ahead of overnight co-leaders Arjun Singh and South African Craig Kamps, who were engaged in a four-way tie for the second place with Simon Yates of Scotland and Korea’s Anthony Kang.

The quartet finished two shots behind Na, who totalled 16-under 272. The event also saw the crowning of Randhawa as the Asian No.1. He became the first Indian winner of the Order of Merit title in the eight-year history of the Asian PGA circuit. Randhawa capped a remarkable rise to the top of the Asian golfing order, as he became the region’s new No.1, replacing Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee.

He shot a 70 to finish tied 32nd alongside his main rival Jaidee who needed to finish at least third to retain his crown.

“It’s like a dream come true to win the Order of Merit title. It’s a stepping stone that will allow me to go further I’m very happy,” Randhawa said. “I must admit that I was under a bit of pressure going into the Volvo Masters of Asia as Thongchai and Arjun Atwal (who was also contending) are good players,” said Randhawa.