October 28, 2012
Nick Watney wins CIMB Classic Golf 2012 with a Final Round Score of 61
By Patrick Johnston
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – American Nick Watney fired a brilliant 10-under-par 61 
to overhaul compatriot Bo Van Pelt and win the $6.1 million CIMB Classic on Sunday as a brave run by Tiger Woods fell just short.
Watney started the day four back of overnight leaders Bo Van Pelt (66) and Robert Garrigus (66) but, after flirting with golf’s magical number 59, ended one ahead on 22-under 262 to win the Asian and PGA Tour co-sanctioned event in Malaysia.
Van Pelt, who double-bogeyed the last chasing a 59 in his third round on Saturday, failed to force a playoff when he could only par his final hole after hitting his approach into a greenside bunker.
The 31-year-old Watney, who won the PGA Tour’s Barclays Tournament in August, fired 11 birdies on the short and soggy Mines Golf Course, which proved an easy test for the 48-man field after a third consecutive day of preferred lies. Watney needed to birdie the last to shoot the rare 59, but he could only bogey the hole after a poor second to the par-four from the rough.
Woods hauled himself into contention with an eight-under 63 but had to settle for a three-way tie for fourth place, three behind Watney, and will rue a number of missed opportunities on the back nine when he was close enough to challenge the leaders.
(Editing by John O’Brien)
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger 
I congratulate CIMB Bank for successfully organising the 2012 CIMB Classic. The hospitality was excellent. Thanks to President General (rtd) Freedie Hashim and the management of the Mines Resort Golf and Country Club for their hard work in keeping the course in superb condition throughout the tournament. That enabled fans to enjoy the display of truly spectacular golf. The TV coverage with Frank Nabilo and his team of Golf Channel made it all the more exciting for the rest of the world to see. Malaysia got good coverage.
This PGA sanctioned golf tournament attracted some of the most outstanding golfers in the world. Tiger Woods was no doubt the main attraction and he did not disappoint his fans as he showed us why he is still the finest and gifted sportsman. He play brilliantly through four rounds.
Congratulations also to Nick Watney who emerged the winner when the last minute charge by defending champion Bo Van Pelt fizzled out. Nick is a true champion as he maintained his composure through the four rounds. His final round score of 10-under 61 is a new course record at the Mines Resort Golf and Country.
I enjoyed watching the tournament and spent some time watching Nick Watney, Carl Pettersen, Noh Seung Yol, and Jbe Kruger on the practice tee. They showed me how I should hit the golf ball with style and grace. –Din Merican
They showed me how I should hit the golf ball with style and grace. –Din Merican..
Bang Din, ball striking is subject to many factors .
1. Your playing partner should not block your swing.
2. The position of the hole.
3. Your shaft must not too soft or too stiff. A young man with fast swing may use stiff shaft and old man like us must use regular or senior shaft with more flexibility.
4. The type of grass will bite your ball differently. Tall grass will interfere with your club head and you must strike the ball harder.
.
….I can go on writing pages about how to strike the ball but then again the ultimate goal is to put a small ball into a small hole and it is not easy.
FYI, Mongkut, cannot use his shaft to play anywhere anymore.
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Thanks for the tip, Tean. You are better than Hank Haney and David Leadbetter. Danny Chia should follow your advice. –Din Merican
Din, you should also congratulate our ever green Danny Chia whose ambition is to make the cut. He did ! Oops, everyone did !
Well Danny Chia has to strengthen the mental side of his game and win regional tournaments before he can get my congratulations. There is no point being a jaguh kampong. –Din Merican
The other factors are:
a. How you address the ball.
b. Whether the ball sits on a “T” on the “T” box or just on the ground.
c. Whether you use a driver, a wood or an iron. (My Wood 3 works magic).
d. The condition of the ground.
e. Where you ball is on the fairway.
f. And, of course, how big the bet is. (This affects our game).
Tok Cik and Din
Whatever the position make sure your stroke is smooth and your mind should always focus on the hole. Dont forget the basic grip and the tempo.
The ball position between your too legs is critical issue. The simple rule is for 7 Iron the ball is at the centre and it should be opposite your two “original” balls and owner shaft. Long Iron should be played far left and short iron should be right with open stance.
Tean and Tok Cik,
At the Royal Selangor Golf Club on Tuesday October 29, a friend told me that a Kelantanese had won the CIMB Classic 2012. His name is Nik Wak Ni. I told him that Spiritual Leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat should send a congratulatory message to Wak Ni.–Din Merican