South Korean star Bae Sang-moon held his nerve to capture the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open as Rory McIlroy’s challenge faded in the final round.
Bae shot a final round four-under-par 67 at Woo Jeung Hills Golf Club for a total of 10-under-par 274 and finish one shot ahead of compatriot Kim Dae-sub, who carded a 69.
McIlroy had started the day tied for the lead alongside Kim but shot a 72 and finished four shots off the pace in a share of third place.
“It just wasn’t to be today,” he said. “I really had a good chance to win but nothing happened for me on the back nine and Bae just played great. Well done to him.”
Bae endured a nervy end to the tournament as Kim holed his third shot on the 18th for an eagle that put him just one shot off the top of the leaderboard.
But Bae remained calm to find the green with his third shot before two-putting for par and securing the victory.
The win was Bae’s second success this year after he won the Caltex Maekyung Open in May and he admitted choosing to forego some advice from close to home proved pivotal.
“I struggled the first two days and could not really get going but I drew upon my experience from last year and stayed patient,” he said.
“My mum has been telling me all week to be more aggressive with my second shot on the 18th. She has been a bit mad with me all week about that but I am pleased I laid up today after Kim hit that shot.”
