American golfers Ryan Moore and Gary Woodland will meet in a playoff for the CIMB Classic after battling through two rain delays to tie for the lead at the close of play on Sunday.
The sudden-death playoff was put off until 7.30am (local time) on Monday after organisers ran out of time and daylight due to the storms at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The delays ate up more than three hours.
The pair finished top of the leaderboard at 14-under-par after the fourth round, fending off a challenge from Asia’s top golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand.
Woodland had a chance to win on the 18th hole after knocking a sand wedge near the pin but missed his birdie putt. He was one of several players befuddled by the rain-soaked greens.
“I knew I needed to make (the putt) to win the title. I played it just outside right and it broke too much at the end.
“I hit it where I wanted to and, unfortunately, it didn’t go in.”
Woodland also missed birdie putts on the 14th and 17th holes that could have locked up the victory.
It will be the first playoff in the tournament’s four-year history.
This year also is the first time the CIMB Classic is offering FedExCup points, with 500 on offer.
The winner also gains a two-year PGA Tour exemption and a guaranteed place in next year’s US Masters.
World No.3 Phil Mickelson, who started five strokes behind the leaders after an inconsistent first two days, shot a two-over 74 to finish tied 19th at five-under.
Moore said he was just happy he and Woodland were able to finish the round.
The day “was so crazy with the weather on and off, and I think we’re both pretty happy we just got done at this point”.
“But obviously to have to come back tomorrow for a playoff is not the worst thing ever. I’m just happy to be in it.”
The winner earns $US1.26 million ($A1.31 million).
The lead changed hands several times on Sunday, with Kiradech and American Chris Stroud in the mix until the end. They finished tied for second at 13-under.
Mickelson, fellow American Keegan Bradley, Spain’s Sergio Garcia and South Africa’s Ernie Els were among a bumper field for the tournament.
