Eagle finish gives Juvic title, P2.4M

Juvic Pagunsan made a perfect ending to a gripping final round charge as he came through with a stirring birdie-eagle finish for a 65 to nip Indian rookie Gaganjeet Bhullar by one in the Pertamina Indonesia President invitational for his breakthrough victory on the Asian Tour in Jakarta yesterday.

The 29-year-old Asian Tour Rookie of the Year last season broke into tears when he completed his come-from-behind victory, capped by a solid second shot on the par-5 18th that sailed over the big hazard, landed onto the hard green and rolled past 12 feet off the cup.

Staring at what could be the biggest putt of his young pro career, Pagunsan carefully lined up his putt then confidently stroke it, the ball rolling straight before disappearing into the cup.

The reed-thin Pagunsan, slowed down by a shoulder injury midway in the season, reacted with a pump-fist the way Tiger Woods does on his PGA Tour and major victories before acknowledging the cheers from the crowd.

He finished with a 19-under 269 and walked away with the winner’s prize of $55,475. (P2.4 million). The ace Filipino shotmaker also leaped 33rd position on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit with total earnings of $92,027.

“I am speechless, it was the perfect finish for me. I’ve enjoyed my time on the Asian Tour and this is what I’ve been waiting for in my career,” Pagunsan said.

Pagunsan, whose pro campaign is backed by ICTSI, romped home in style with a birdie on the 17th and an eagle at the final 18th hole relegating Bhullar, who finished ahead of Pagunsan with an 18-under 270, to second place after a 69 worth $37, 975.

Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood holed out with a lengthy 25-foot putt for eagle on his final hole to finish with a 70 as he ended his campaign tied at third spot with American Anthony Kang, who shot a 71, 272. Each won $19,302. 

“I would like to dedicate this win to my wife (Maria Eleana) and my daughter (LJ) as they’ve supported me all the way. I would like to thank my sponsors and everyone who has been there for me,” Pagunsan said. 

The win also primed up Pagunsan for this week’s Singapore Open, a $4 million tournament which features the likes of Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Adam Scott.

Pagunsan was three strokes off the pace heading into the final round but four birdies on the front nine set him on the right path. He chalked up his fifth birdie of the day on the 13th hole before a bogey on the 15th slowed down his charge.