By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
South Korean golfer Bae Sang-moon brought the Korea Open tile back home, holding off Englishman Ian Poulter and American Anthony Kim.
In the final round of the $1 million-tournament at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province Sunday, the 22-year-old Bae, known for his long distance shots, carded a two-under-par 69 for an 11-under-par 273 total for his fourth championship at this tournament.
Earning a prize of 300 million won ($245,000), he jumped into the lead on the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPA) prize money list with 440 million won.
``I am glad to win the tournament that I wanted,'' said Bae, who will participate in the first leg of the PGA Qualifying School on Oct. 29.
``I also want to top the prize money.''
Poulter, who finished in a tie for second in the third round after sinking seven birdies, ranked second one stroke behind Bae, while the two-time PGA Tour champion Kim, who closed the round with an even-par 71, finished at 275.
South Korean Kim Wi-joong, who stayed atop the leaderboard in the second and third rounds, shot a one-over par 72 to fall to a tie for third with Kim.
They had a close game on the front nine, but the final three holes decided the winner.
While Bae, a four-year-pro, parred those holes, Poulter, leading the field by one, bogeyed at the 16th and final holes.
Kim, who struggled with his putting through the day, bogeyed the par-three 16th.