Josh Younger’s upward trajectory has continued with a tie for third at the BNI Indonesian Masters in Jakarta, all but securing the Victorian full status on the Asian Tour for 2020.
Ten years into his professional career, Younger broke through for his maiden win at the AV Jennings NSW Open at Twin Creeks a fortnight ago and recaptured that form at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Tournament leader after playing the first 36 holes bogey free, Younger stumbled with a third round of 2-over 74 but bounced back in admirable style on Sunday, a 6-under 66 moving him back within the top five and six shots back of runaway winner and 2019 Asian Tour No.1 Jazz Janewattananond.
Continuing to find the Royale Jakarta layout to his liking, Younger was blemish-free on his front nine in the final round, making the turn in 4-under 32 to move up the leaderboard.
After a successful up-and-down at the par-4 10th he continued his charge with birdies at 12 and 13 before dropping a shot at the 399-metre par-4 14th.
A birdie at the 16th hole got Younger back to 6-under on his round and an all-important spot inside the top five.
By virtue of his top-five finish Younger is now exempt into the field for this week’s Thailand Masters in Pattaya where he can solidify his place inside the top 60 on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
With barely $US10,000 in prize money prior to the Indonesian Masters, Younger was sitting outside the top 100 on the Order of Merit and in need of something special to move within the cut-off for those who automatically keep their card for the following year.
The 35-year-old now enters the final event of the year 56th on the moneylist and in position to control his own destiny.
Veteran Marcus Fraser moved up into a tie for 26 courtesy of a final round of 5-under 67 while Travis Smyth’s 4-under 68 was highlighted by an ace at the par-3 15th.
Younger, Scott Hend, Terry Pilkadaris and Daniel Fox are currently the only Aussies in the field for the Thailand Masters, Fox riding the Order of Merit bubble in 60th position on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
Asian Tour
BNI Indonesian Masters
Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Jakarta
T3 Josh Younger 66-65-74-66—271 $US42,375
T26 Marcus Fraser 71-72-71-67—281 $6,417
T33 Travis Smyth 69-71-74-68—282 $5,325
T33 Steven Jeffress 65-71-72-74—282 $5,325
T39 David Gleeson 70-71-73-69—283 $4,450
T45 Terry Pilkadaris 72-69-71-72—284 $3,937
T50 Adam Blyth 70-72-72-72—286 $3,300
59 Scott Hend 70-73-71-76—290 $2,475
MC Sam Brazel 70-74—144
MC Andrew Martin 76-69—145
MC Daniel Fox 73-72—145