Japanese golfer Shohei Hasegawa made a surprise performance at the OB Golf Invitational – Asian Development Tour 2018 held on 21 – 24 March 2018. In the golf tournament that held at Gunung Geulis Golf Club (east course) Bogor, Hasegawa outmatch American golfer John Catlin. The 24-year-old managed to lead the third round with a total score of 10-under par 203. This achievement was the first time for Hasegawa to win a professional Asian Tour since he joined the play-for-ranks in 2015. For his victory, Hasegawa has the right to bring home prize of USD 12,250.
Play Consistently Since The First Round
Play consistently since the first round, Hasegawa scored 65 on Friday afternoon. Then, he continued by grabbing 1-under 70 in the next 18-hole. On the last tee, Hasegawa plays a little slower thanks to the bogey he received at hole 6. But, he managed to catch up in the next two holes so back into the under-par. The young Japan golfer is back playing 2 birdies and 2 bogeys in the last nine to make his score unchanged 70.
Outmatch John Catlin
Meanwhile, United States champion John Catlin had topped the game on the first day of the 2018 OB Invitational – Asian Development Tour (ADT). The 347 OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) world rank played confidently and managed to record 6 birdies and 2 bogeys. In the first day of the game, John scored 67 and 4 under par 71. However, the dominance of the last ADT 2016 champion did not last long.
In the third round on Friday afternoon, Hasegawa seized control of the league leaders by playing 1 under par (70). Rain that poured the area of Mount Geulis country club force the game must end only up to the third round only. Thus, Shohei Hasegawa was crowned champion in this tournament with a score of 10-under par (203). John Catlin had to settle for third place with a score of 8 under par (205) one point under Sydney Chung in second place with a score of 9 – under par (204).
Some Local Golfers Make a Surprise
OB Invitational – Asian Development Tour (ADT) 2018 not only Hasegawa who make a surprise. Local golfer Rifki Alam also looked stunning, even had scored one point under John Catlin in the first round. However, the performance of the 20-year-old golfer decreased dramatically in the last nine holes so he must be satisfied with the final score 2 above par (215). Other Indonesian golfers like Naraadjie Emerald Ramadhan managed to score 1 – under par (212) and won the lowest amateur OB Golf Invitational – ADT 2018.
The Asian Development Tour (ADT) itself is the right platform to inspire the golfer who wants to add experience and hone their skills. So, it is not surprising if the pro golfers have to show their skills since the first round in this tournament. They have to play total in order to pursue OWGR points in order to represent their country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic arena. As for local amateur golfers, this event is part of local level trials so that they can join the selection of the national team in the upcoming 2018 Asian Games.
