Singapore’s Nicklaus Chiam claimed his first Asian Development Tour title in dramatic fashion at the PKNS Selangor Masters, prevailing in a three-way playoff after a chaotic finish at Seri Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The US$175,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) season opener appeared to have slipped away from Chiam as he signed for 10-under-par from the penultimate group and watched events unfold ahead of him.

Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung stood on the 18th tee at 13-under, with Thailand’s Poom Pattaropong one shot behind. But the final hole turned everything on its head.

Cheung pulled his drive left and was forced to chip back into play, finding the right rough. His third shot found the hazard, and after taking a drop and making the green he could only two-putt for a triple-bogey seven.

Pattaropong’s approach sailed long and left of the green. Attempting a delicate, high lob wedge to check near the flag, the ball refused to stop and trickled well past the hole. Needing only a bogey to secure a playoff place, he three-putted for a double-bogey six.

The late drama left Chiam, local favourite Khavish Varadan and Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong tied and heading back to the 18th tee for a playoff.

Poom Pattaropong

Runchanapong exited with a bogey at the first extra hole, leaving Chiam and Varadan to duel. After they matched pars on the second playoff hole, Chiam finally sealed victory with a birdie on the third extra hole — a putt he will long remember.

Nicklaus Chiam admitted the final day was an emotional rollercoaster.

“Today especially was really up and down — a lot of emotions,” he said. “There weren’t many birdies, but there were bogeys and a few mistakes. But with that last playoff birdie, I just let myself go.”

The winning putt was from around 20 feet.

“It was about 20 feet, right to left and downhill a little bit, a slider. I thought maybe a grip outside the hole and it broke quite a bit. As soon as it came off the putter face I felt it had a chance, and as it got closer I could see it was going to be close — and then, yes!”

Chiam described Seri Selangor as a stern but rewarding examination.

“It’s a difficult course. Not easy, but very challenging — and I like that. It’s a different kind of course that really tests your skills.”

Although he arrived with ambition, his approach remained measured.

“Of course I came here to contend and to win, but my goal was to take it one shot at a time, hole by hole, and just do what I can.”

Matthew Cheung

Chiam also credited his girlfriend Olivia, who has been on the bag since last year and shared in his first ADT victory on Valentine’s day.

“I don’t have a professional caddie. She only started caddying for me last year, so she’s learning a lot, but she’s actually helping me a lot throughout the game.”

Chiam added: “Khavish played really, really well. The three playoff holes were phenomenal. We were both nervous and excited.”

Varadan, who narrowly missed out in the playoff, was gracious in defeat.

“It’s always tough losing in a playoff, but I’m really proud of myself,” he said. “There’s not much more I could have done. Overall I had a great week.”

Despite the disappointment, Varadan saw positives.

“It’s not a golf course that I usually feel that comfortable on, so to be in contention means a lot to me. That’s a big positive.”

Leading amateur Koshin Nagasaki was also encouraged by his performance.

“It was a really good experience,” he said. “Playing four rounds against professionals taught me a lot.”

Chiam’s victory continues a strong run for Singaporean golf. It marks the second consecutive ADT win for a Singaporean player, following James Leow’s triumph at the Aramco Invitational Tournament in Saudi Arabia at the end of last season.

Action continues on the ADT next month with the Nam A Bank Masters at Royal Long An Golf & Country Club in Vietname. The US$100,000 three day event begins on March 17.

Main picture: Nicklaus Chiam of Singapore celebrates with girlfriend and caddie Olivia after winning the PKNS Selangor Masters.