Taichi Kho delivered the biggest victory of his professional career on Sunday, June 15, capturing the International Series Morocco title after holding off two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson in a tense final-round battle at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.

The 25-year-old Hong Kong star closed with a composed performance to finish at 19-under-par and secure his first International Series championship and second Asian Tour title. His victory earned him the US$360,000 winner’s prize and strengthened his standing among the tour’s top players.

Kho entered the final round chasing his breakthrough moment after narrowly missing out on a title the previous week on the Japan Golf Tour. This time, he made sure the opportunity did not slip away.

The victory also added another milestone to a growing career that already includes making history for Hong Kong by winning the nation’s first-ever golf gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Late Birdie Delivers Title

Kho surged into contention early, recording five birdies through his opening 10 holes to move into sole possession of the lead on the demanding course.

Despite creating several opportunities, he was unable to find another birdie for much of the back nine as Watson remained within striking distance. The pressure intensified when the American veteran birdied the 17th hole to pull level with Kho heading to the final hole.

With the tournament hanging in the balance, Kho delivered when it mattered most. He birdied the par-5 18th hole, while Watson failed to save par after pulling his second shot left of the fairway.

That decisive swing secured a one-shot victory and sparked an emotional celebration for Kho, who admitted the win carried special significance after a challenging year.

“It’s been a long year. It’s had a lot of hardships and a bit of adversity. Through it all, I think I really grew as a person,” Kho said.

“Golf’s a funny game. It really gives and takes, and I was very fortunate the last couple of weeks to be on the good side of it.”

The triumph elevated Kho to second place in the Asian Tour Order of Merit standings behind Australia’s Travis Smyth and moved him to third in The International Series Rankings.

Childhood Dream Realized

The victory became even more meaningful because it came against one of Kho’s golfing heroes.

Watson, a two-time Masters champion and LIV Golf RangeGoats GC captain, had entered the final round with a one-shot lead while pursuing his first victory since the 2018 Travelers Championship.

For Kho, competing alongside the American throughout the final round was a memorable experience regardless of the outcome.

“I think playing with Bubba is like a dream come true. I remember watching him win two Masters when I was a little kid,” Kho said.

“For me to be going neck and neck with him for five hours today, the child inside me was jumping up and down.”

Watson praised the young champion after the round, acknowledging both Kho’s performance and potential.

“Taichi beat me by one, and it was great to see a young player like that perform so well,” Watson said.

“I told him he’s a great player. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to have a great career.”

Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai and former champion Jazz Janewattananond shared third place at 15-under-par, while Australia’s Elvis Smylie, South Africa’s Ian Snyman, Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent and Japan’s Takanori Konishi finished tied for fifth at 14-under.

The International Series Morocco concluded the Asian Tour’s three-week stay in Morocco. The tour will resume in September with the Yeangder Taiwan Open.