RISING Zimbabwean golf star Kieran Vincent emulated his brother Scott by becoming a winner on the Asian Tour following his one-shot victory at the US$2 million International Series Vietnam at KN Golf Links, in Cam Ranh, on the south-central coast of Vietnam yesterday.
Kieran, who was playing in his 11th start on the Asian Tour after turning professional last year, held his nerve to sink a three-metre birdie putt on the 18th hole to card a final round six under par 66 for a 72-hole total of 19 under-par 269.
The 25-year-old golfer finished a shot ahead of Anirban Lahiri from India and Australian Kevin Yuan as he claimed the biggest win of his young career.
Kieran’s win came just 10 months after his brother Scott won the International Series England as the 2022 International Series Order of Merit, which gave him status on the lucrative LIV Golf League this year.
He is also the second Zimbabwean to clinch victory on the main professional tours this season after Benjamin Follet-Smith’s victory on the European Challenge Tour in February.
“It is surreal right now,” said the 25-year-old Vincent, who won US$360 000.
“I think there are so many people I have to thank at this stage that have put so much time and effort into me that they deserve it more than myself.
“I feel like I am a lead singer in a band of people that have done so much for me. I am very appreciative. I don’t think it is going to sink in for a while.”
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It was a remarkable win for Kieran after he started the day in fourth spot, three behind the third-round leader Takumi Kanaya from Japan, who shot a final round 73 to drop to tied fourth.
Kieran’s round contained six birdies including the crucial one on the par four 18th hole as he bounced back to clinch the coveted title after struggling with his putting on Saturday.
“That is the game of golf, you win some, you lose some, some go in, some don’t, and I am just very thankful it went in at the right time, when I needed it, and so I was just lucky enough to keep giving myself opportunities. Yeah I could not have dreamed it any better,” Kieran said about his putt on the final hole.
Yesterday’s victory meant Vincent moved into second place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) and third on the International Series OOM, giving him a chance to yet again emulate his brother Scott.
