Rory won his first professional tournament at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Golf Tour - International Championship by 3 strokes, in a tournament held at Imperial Golf Club, Karawaci in his home country, Indonesia.
With scores of 72-66-70-70, Rory was able to capitalize on being the overnight second and third round leader (shooting a course record in the 2nd round) to eventually win the championship. His final round consisted of 4 birdies and 2 bogeys.
From mercedes-benztour.com:
MAIDEN WIN FOR HIE IN INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
October 25: Indonesia’s Rory Hie completed an impressive victory in the US$50,000 International Championship on the Mercedes-Benz Tour today to quickly announce his arrival among the professional ranks.Hie, who turned professional in August following a brilliant college career in the United States, fired a final round two-under-par 70 to finish three strokes clear of another rising star from Indonesia, Mauludin Andik.
Andik, the country’s top amateur who is on the brink of turning professional, carded a 69 at Imperial Klub Golf, near Jakarta.
Filipino Jay Bayron finished four strokes behind the winner in outright third place after closing with a 70.
“It feels great to win. I am glad I did especially as I had a four shot lead at the start of the day,” said Hie, who finished with a four-round-aggregate of 10-under-par 278.
The victory marked the first time an Indonesian has won on the Mercedes-Benz Tour and earned him a place in the season ending Mercedes-Benz Masters Thailand – which is the Tour Championship.
“This will certainly help my confidence especially as I am heading to the European Tour Qualifying School next month,” added Hie, who earned a cheque for US$8,126.
The 20 year old played for the University of Southern California and at one point was ranked sixth best amateur in the world. The talented golfer attended college for two years and then opted to leave prematurely as he felt he was ready for the professional game.
Andik, aged 26, got off to an inspired start and drew level with playing partner Hie after making birdies on the first four holes.
However, Hie restored order with birdies on the seventh and eighth and later 13 and 14.