American rookie golfer David Lipsky produced a superb chip-in birdie to beat Filipino Elmer Salvador in the first playoff hole and win the inaugural $US300,000 ($A286,000) Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who won the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School in January, enjoyed his maiden professional victory in front of six-time major champion Nick Faldo at the Angkor Golf Resort, a course the Briton designed.

Starting the day seven shots off the lead, Lipsky closed with a stunning seven-under-par 65 for a 15-under-par 273 total.

A gritty Salvador had a 10-foot birdie putt at the last hole in regulation play for the outright win but he missed for a 68.

It was a frenetic final day, with six players tied for the lead at one stage before Lipsky and Salvador, who also lost in a playoff at last year’s ISPS Handa Singapore Classic, edged ahead of the pack.

“I really can’t believe I’m here right now,” said a jubilant Lipsky. He earned $US47,550 ($A45,325) and a priceless winner’s exemption on the Asian Tour until the end of 2014.

“The chip-in was unbelievable. I practise my short game pretty hard and I thought I had a chance to make it. It was one of those makeable ones up the hill … give it a good strike and see what happens,” said the Korean-American.

The 42-year-old Salvador had a good look for an outright win but misjudged his putt at the 72nd hole.

“It was a good chip (by Lipsky). It was like a billiard shot … the way he stopped the ball (into the hole). Can’t do anything about that.

“I still feel happy. Two times losing in a playoff now, I don’t know why. I’ll keep trying,” added Salvador.

The lanky Irishman Niall Turner was disappointed with his third place, one shot shy of the playoff after an even-par 72, while overnight leader Kim Hyung-sung settled for joint seventh position after signing off with 75.

Australian Scott Barr finished with a total of 278 – five shots behind Lipsky and Salvador – after a final round of 67.