(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The 2025 Asian Development Tour (ADT) recently concluded in Saudi Arabia with a thrilling finale as Singapore's James Leow staged a stunning comeback to win the $250,000 Aramco Invitational Tournament, his maiden ADT title, while 10 players earned career-changing promotions to the Asian Tour for 2026.

Trailing overnight leader Angus Flanagan of England by five strokes at the start of the final round at Rolling Hills Golf Club, Leow birdied his last three holes en route to a scintillating nine-under-par 63, matching the course record. His 72-hole total of 23-under-par 265 (66-68-68-63) earned him a breakthrough victory by two shots over Flanagan (66-66-65-70).

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Leow pocketed $43,750, which propelled him from 46th to fourth place on the final ADT Order of Merit with season earnings of $52,629.69, securing one of the coveted 2026 Asian Tour cards reserved for the top 10 finishers.

Celebrating career milestone

“I'm over the moon for my first win! It's been a long three years since I turned professional, and I've had a lot of struggles trying to close out tournaments. I've been in contention so many times, so to finally do it and close it out is the greatest feeling ever,” said Leow, who turns 29 on December 22.

Leow marked nine birdies, two bogeys, and an eagle at the par-five 12th on his final-round scorecard. Having been in the final group last year but falling back with a closing 77, he approached this year differently.

“I put too much pressure on myself, and that took a toll on me. This year I came in with a different mindset after working with my coach, Jonathan Wallett. I just needed to put some trust in my own game and my own values when I'm playing. Fortunately, everything kind of worked out,” shared Leow.

After sealing the win, Leow called his father, eyes tearing up as he shared the news.“Words can't really describe how emotional I am to get my Asian Tour card. I have no expectations for next year, but you'll definitely see me having fun out there. I like to win, and I want to be a winner on a major tour – that's one goal I've set for myself.”

Leow turned professional in late 2022 following a decorated collegiate career at Arizona State University. He enjoyed notable success as an amateur, including winning an individual gold medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Leow secures Saudi spot

As one of the top-five players on the ADT Order of Merit, Leow also earns a potentially lucrative start at the Asian Tour's $1 million season finale, the Saudi Open presented by PIF, taking place December 10–13 at Dirab Golf & Country Club.

Flanagan, starting the final round with a two-stroke advantage, began with two consecutive birdies but could not maintain momentum, finishing runner-up with a $28,750 payday. The 26-year-old, competing in his first ADT event on an invitation, is not eligible for Order of Merit promotions and will head to Thailand for Q-School First Stage next week.

First-round co-leader Carl Jano Corpus of the Philippines finished third at 20-under-par 268 (63-70-69-66), pocketing $17,500. Corpus, winner of the Morocco Rising Stars Marrakech – Al Maaden Golf Resorts in June, moved up from third to second on the ADT Order of Merit with $70,259.77.

Joining Corpus among the ten Asian Tour card recipients is his cousin, Aidric Chan, who finished sixth on the final Order of Merit following a T45 at Rolling Hills.

2025 ADT Final Order of Merit – Top 10 (Asian Tour Cards for 2026)

1. Tawit Polthai (THA) – $75,314.61

2. Carl Jano Corpus (PHI) – $70,259.77

3. Matt Killen (ENG) – $61,588.17

4. James Leow (SIN) – $52,629.69

5. Karandeep Kochhar (IND) – $43,507.63

6. Aidric Chan (PHI) – $39,789.67

7. Niklas Regner (AUT) – $36,416.15

8. Sam Broadhurst (ENG) – $36,343.98

9. Finlay Mason (ENG) – $35,807.29

10. Nopparat Panichphol (THA) – $34,761.62

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