Corpus falters with cold putter as Kho edges Watson in International Series Morocco
MANILA, Philippines — Carl Corpus’ red-hot putter turned ice-cold when it mattered most, as the Filipino golfer limped with a closing 77 and tumbling to joint 52nd at the $2-million International Series Morocco on Sunday (Monday Manila time).
This as Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho secured a dramatic victory over his childhood hero, Bubba Watson.
Corpus had hoped to replicate the magical touch he displayed during a bogey-free third-round 68 on the demanding Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s Red Course, where he needed just 24 putts to put himself in a share of 27th place.
Instead, the final 18 holes yielded a disastrous four-over card that Corpus never saw coming. Plagued by three bogeys and two costly double-bogeys against just two birdies, his 72-hole total settled at 290. He wound up with 33 putts.
Corpus found company at the bottom of the leaderboard, finishing tied for 52nd alongside five others, including compatriot Justin Quiban, who also faltered with a 76 marred by a double-bogey and four bogeys against three birdies.
While Corpus struggled explicitly on the green — needing nine more putts than his dazzling Saturday performance — Quiban's undoing began at the tee box, where he missed 11 fairways.
But the day belonged to Kho. The young Hong Kong phenom outdueled the heavily favored Watson in a thrilling clutch finish. Kho sank a decisive four-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th to card a second consecutive 68, nipping the two-time Masters champion by a single stroke with a 19-under-par 271 total.
Watson had momentarily forced a tie at 18-under by birdying No. 17. However, Kho answered immediately on the final hole, while Watson scrambled to save par for a 70, finishing alone in second at 272.
“I was so pumped up on the course. Playing with Bubba is like a dream come true,” an ecstatic Kho said after the round. “I remember watching him win two Masters when I was a kid. For me to be going neck-and-neck with him for five hours today, the child inside me was jumping up and down.”
Despite the intense pressure, Kho revealed he didn't let his mind wander to the trophy until the tournament's final stroke.
“I didn’t even think of winning until the last putt dropped," said Kho. "Golf is a deeply psychological game. A lot of thoughts go through your mind, good or bad, but the difference today was my ability to play freely and trust my instincts. That’s what made the difference.”
Thais Suteepat Prateeptienchai (69) and Jazz Janewattananond (72) finished further back, sharing third place at 275.
- Latest
