2013 Golf: Weather Forces Monday Playoff in Malaysia

It seems like weather has played a part of every golf tournament on the PGA Tour since the season started on Maui back in January, and it continues in Malaysia. Gary Woodland, and third round co-leader, Ryan Moore ended regulation play at the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday with a share of the lead, but due to over three hours of rain delays, will have to wait until Monday to settle score. Both finished up at 14 under par, but ran out of daylight before the playoff could begin.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand, and American Chris Stroud put up a great challenge in the ever-changing weather conditions, but both would come up one stroke short of making the playoff at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Malaysia.

Gary Woodland had a chance to wind it up at the 18th hole with a 10 foot birdie putt. He burned the cup, but couldn’t get it to drop for the win.

"“I thought I made it when I looked up and it just broke too much at the end there,” he said. “But it was a tough day and obviously to come down to the last putt, obviously I’d like to have made it.”"

Ryan Moore, who had a share of the third round lead had a great up and down at 18 to make par, and force the playoff.

"“I was scrambling there on the last hole just to somehow make a par and kind of see what happens at that point, and fortunately, I still get another shot at it,” he said."

The finish was everything a golf fan could want with the weather being an integral part of the action. All four players were at one time in the mix to win this event which has become a legitimate stop on the PGA Tour. The winner will get a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, 500 FedEx Cup points, and an invitation to Augusta.

After shooting an opening round 65 on Thursday, 2011 PGA Champ, Keegan Bradley could not overcome the 76 he put on the board  Saturday to get back in the mix. Phil Mickelson laid another egg on Sunday, shooting a 74. He looked to have righted the ship on Saturday, but his troubles continued on Sunday.

After the playoff on Monday, both the PGA Tour, and The European Tour will converge in Shanghai for the WGC-HSBC Champions next week. It is the second of four tournaments for the European Tour Race To Dubai Playoff, and will feature FedEx Cup points for the winner, This should be a star-studded field of the world’s best players, all in one place.

Source: PGATour.com

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