A dazzling final-round 63 fell just short for Adam Scott in Malaysia today as the Australian produced his best performance since reverting to a traditional putter.
Scott posted a 25-under par total in the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur, co-sanctioned by the United States PGA Tour and the Asian Tour, with a share of the lead.
But American Justin Thomas conjured a brave performance, recovering from a double bogey six at the 14th hole, where he hit his second shot into a lake, to birdie the 15th, 16th and 17th holes and regain the lead.
Even then, Thomas needed to make par at the par-five 18th hole to avoid a playoff with Scott.
When the 22-year-old smacked his birdie putt almost two metres past the cup it became a possibility. But he calmly stroked the par putt in to complete his first victory on the US PGA Tour.
"It's tough to win," said Thomas. "I understand we're in a sport where the winning percentage isn't in your favor. I've put myself in positions to win, and I just need to continue to do so."
Scott (68-66-66-63) had a brilliant week, using the claw grip that he adoped at the Presidents Cup recently.
He returns to Australia soon to compete in the UNIQLO Australian Masters at Huntingdale followed by the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian in Sydney.