David Watts claims thrilling final round victory to clinch first-ever G4D Tour at Singapore

South African golfer David Watts claimed a dramatic victory at the first-ever G4D Tour in Singapore. He defeated Kipp Popert by three strokes at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

David Watts recorded three birdies on his final four holes to secure the title. He started the day with a one-stroke lead, however Kipp Popert soon mounted a great comeback. But Watts fought back equally hard and drew level with the English golfer.

Watts regained his lead after consecutive birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. Popert found himself in a sticky spot after his par three 17th shot landed in the water. David Watts put the situation to his advantage as he carried a three-stroke cushion to the 18th hole.

Finally, after much tussle between the two skilled golfers, Watts took home the first ever G4D Tour title in Singapore.

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"I had a great battle with a terrific player" - David Watts

David Watts and Kipp Popert at the Singapore Classic - G4D (Image via Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

David Watts was elated with the fantastic job that he did at the tournament. He said that although he had a "nervy" start, he stuck to it and began playing well towards the back nine.

He said:

"It’s hard to put into words, it’s a bit of a surreal feeling. I’m delighted to get it over the line. I got off to a bit of a nervy start, sleeping on a lead and Kipp got off to a strong start. I hung around, did what I could do to get the ball in the hole and then started playing nicely towards the back nine."

He praised Kipp Popert for giving him a tough fight but at the end of the day Watts was happy to emerge victorious from the brutal clash. He added:

"I rolled in a few putts and got a few birdies down the stretch, three birdies on the last four holes always helps in a round of golf. I had a great battle with a terrific player. To finish this off and come away with the trophy, I couldn’t be happier."

He further explained how the lessons he had learnt in golf so far helped him when he was in a tight spot:

"I’ve learnt in golf never to touch the money. I stuck to my own game, tried to put it down the fairway on 18, which I did. Knocked it by the green and somehow got it up and down."

Watts added how his efforts had paid off in this tournament:

"It’s a lot of hours of practice and training. In golf, you’re not accountable to anyone like you are in a team sport. You’ve got to have self-discipline and you’ve got to make sacrifices. This is your reward for it. To have that moment on 18 is something I will have with me for the rest of my life."

The inaugural G4D Open at Woburn Golf Club, announced earlier this month by The R&A and the DP World Tour, will kick off the G4D Tour's return. The tour will last from May 12-14, 2023.