Geary sets sights on US tour
JOSH GEARY aims to finish top on the order of merit of the PGA Tour of China as he chases a return to the Web.com Tour in the United States.
The Kiwi golfer extended his lead on that order after winning the Yulongwan Yunnan Open yesterday (NZ time) – his third win from seven events.
Geary finished 22-under par and held off a stern challenge from Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul in the final round to win by one shot in the Yunnan Province in China. ‘‘It hasn’t even sunk in yet,’’ said Geary. ‘‘I haven’t had a chance to process it. It’s something I’ve worked very hard for, and I’m very happy it’s come off.’’
Now Geary is focusing on a return to the Web.com Tour, PGA’s development tour based in the US. He knows leading the order of merit on China’s PGA tour will be a huge platform for him to excel in the US.
‘‘I would like to finish No 1 [on the Order of Merit] because that means a full [Web.com] card. I’ve been on that tour before. I know how hard it is with conditional status.
‘‘Nothing is guaranteed and I think you have to play well early. It’s a tough tour, and I’m looking forward to using this tour as a springboard for next year. It’s been good so far. I want to keep playing against these good players on some good golf courses.’’
Geary’s win in China was inspired by his first professional hole in one, in the first round, and he revealed he’s had six in his career, but never before in a competitive event.
A pivotal eagle on the par-5 16th hole in the final round kept him just ahead of Charoenkul, who’d been in hot pursuit all day. Geary has backed the Thai golfer to win future events.
‘‘Gunn is a really good player. We both played good [Saturday]. Today, we didn’t play very well, so it wasn’t as enjoyable. But it was good to have a good battle with Gunn.
‘‘I made a 3 on the par-5. I hit a great putt. It was really slippery down there. I managed to sneak it in. Then we halved the last two holes.’’
Geary is playing in the Lushan Open in China next week before playing the Fiji International on the OneAsia Tour.
A hectic schedule means clashes between the China and Australasia tours. ‘‘I want to keep my card in Australia, as well,’’ Geary said.