Dominic Foos from Dubai overcame a challenging phase in his career to win the $1 million SJM Macao Open, triumphing over Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan in a tense sudden-death playoff on the Asian Tour.
Foos, originally from Leipzig, recorded rounds of 64, 68, 68, and a final round of 63, concluding with a 17-under-par total of 263 to earn a $180,000 prize. He clinched victory on the second sudden-death playoff hole at Macau Golf & Country Club’s celebrated par-five 18th, sinking a decisive 10-foot birdie putt after Wang missed his four-foot attempt. This marked the sixth playoff in the tournament’s history.
Foos turned professional in 2014 and has spent much of his career in Dubai, holding a Dubai Golden Visa.
Both Foos and Wang ended the tournament at 17 under par. Starting the day six strokes behind Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Foos shot an impressive seven-under-par 63, while Wang matched with a remarkable 62, forcing the playoff. China’s Wenyi Ding finished third with a 67, just one stroke behind, while Sarit ended in fourth after a 73, four shots short of the playoff.
In the playoff, both players birdied the first hole. On the second, Foos found a greenside bunker, while Wang was off the back in two. Foos nearly chipped in from the bunker, leaving a 10-foot putt, while Wang’s chip stopped 20 feet away. Wang missed his par, giving Foos the chance to make the winning birdie.
The 28-year-old played bogey-free, akin to Wang, making seven birdies, including crucial ones on the final two regulation holes.
Tour card secured at last
The victory is a significant relief for Foos, who had previously advanced through two Asian Tour Qualifying Schools. He was fighting to retain his Tour card for the following year, positioned 62nd on the Asian Tour Order of Merit before this event. This win propelled him to 15th place.
“I didn’t really check the leaderboard all day,” Foos mentioned. “I focused on playing shot by shot, but as I approached the 18th, I had to glance at the score and realized I needed a birdie. I was just off the green, knew what I had to do, and I’m glad it worked out.”
A prior winner on Europe’s HotelPlanner Tour, Foos now enjoys a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour.
“I’ve always been dedicated,” he elaborated. “That’s never been the issue, but with my family’s support, especially my dad, some close friends, and I must commend Dr. (Bernd) Kramski.
“He’s one of the few who stayed by my side because the last few years on the course were tough. Times like these reveal who truly supports you. I’m deeply thankful to all who stood by me.”
Focus now shifts to the upcoming International Series Philippines next week. The prestigious $2 million event will be hosted at Sta. Elena Golf Club near Manila, featuring top players like Americans Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed, and South African Louis Oosthuizen, promising one of the strongest fields in Philippine golf history.
Results (6713 Yards, Par 70)
· D. Foos (GER) 64, 68, 68, 63 – 263 (Won on second playoff hole with a birdie)
· W-h Wang (TPE) 68, 67, 66, 62 – 263
· W. Ding (CHN) 63, 69, 65, 67 – 264
