South Africa's Oosthuizen Eases Us Masters Defeat With Malaysia Open Win

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen continued his strong performance at the 2012 Maybank Malaysian Open held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club to lift the Seagram trophy with a three shot lead. The US Masters runner-up managed to bounce back from last week's misery, when he was defeated by Bubba Watson of the United States on the second play-off hole. The South African closed his round with a four-under-par 68 for a 17-under-par 271 total. Oosthuizen, who was US$416,660 (about RM1.3 million) richer for the feat, received the prestigious trophy from Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak (second from left). He became the second South African to emerge Malaysian Open champion after Harold Henning, who won the championship in 1966. "I'm a little bit surprised because I thought I would be tired (after playing 26 holes). I played well and the game was there, so it made it a lot easier. "I had a good week. My game was a bit up and down this morning (to complete the third round) but I kind of settled down for the final 18 holes," said the 29-year-old who was the 2010 British Open champion. "I think my win at the British Open has helped me get my game to where it is at the moment. I have been working quite a bit with my coach and we have been trying to get my game to where we want it to be," said Oosthuizen, adding that the win was a morale boost and was looking foward to the next Major tournament. Following with three stroke behind Oosthuizen was Scotland's Stephen Gallacher with a four-day total of 14-under-par 274, and for his feat, he pocketted US$277,770 (RM849,850). "I'm pleased with myself with a couple of birdies throughout the whole week...played lovely, really good. It was just a battle. It was really hot and I played 26 holes today," said Gallacher. Also present were Maybank chairman Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor (left), Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) president Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor (second from right) and Globalone chairman Mohd Razali Abdul Rahman (right). (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA