Lee Westwood battled back from a late putting collapse in the final round to win his third Indonesian Masters title on Sunday, after a dramatic sudden-death playoff with Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.
The English former world No.1 holed a six-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole to defeat Nirat and continue his love affair with golf in Asia.
Tasmanian Kalem Richardson, the world No.625, finished third after a fine final round five-under par 67 that included seven birdies.
Westwood’s only two wins in 2014 came at the Thailand Golf Championships in December and the Malaysian Open last April. His first triumph of 2015 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club completed a hat-trick of Indonesian Masters titles after his successes in 2011 and 2012 on the same course.
“Winning never gets any easier,” Westwood said after receiving the trophy.
“Nice to come here three times and win three times. It’s a lovely hat-trick to have.”
World No.33 Westwood was five shots clear at the start of play on the final day, benefitting from a seven-under 65 on Saturday.
But a poor final three holes, combined with a back nine 32 and from Nirat ensured the playoff.
“I hit three terrible putts on the last three greens,” admitted a relieved Westwood.
“Luckily I had a great read on the 18th green for the one in the playoff.”