Promising start to pro golf career for Ang in Australia

Playing in his first tournament as a professional, Singaporean golfer Ryan Ang was just hoping to make the cut at the Western Australia PGA Championship.

- Melvyn Teoh

But after sinking his final putt at the Kalgoorlie Golf Course on Oct 13, the 25-year-old not only finished tied-fourth at the PGA Tour of Australasia event, but was also just a few shots away from winning the title.

Ang, who racked up nine birdies for a seven-under 65 - the lowest round on the final day - had surged from tied-10th the day before to finish on 15-under 273 with Cameron John (69).

Just two strokes separated them from Jack Buchanan (66) and Jordan Doull (67), who topped the leaderboard jointly on 17-under 271 before Buchanan won the sudden-death play-off on the second hole to claim the A$45,000 (S$39,700) winner's cheque.

Ang and John, who pocketed A$11,375 each, were one stroke behind Elvis Smylie (68) in solo third, with Ang the only non-Australian in the top 10.