Ryan Moore retains his CIMB Classic crown in Malaysia

American Ryan Moore became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2012/13 to successfully defend a PGA Tour title with victory at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia.

Moore shot a 5-under 67 on Sunday for a three-stroke win, beating fellow American Gary Woodland for the second straight year.

Moore finished on 17-under 271 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club to become the first player to successfully defend since Woods won the Arnold Palmer Invitation in 2012 and 2013.

It was incredible to finish the way I did coming down those last few holes" Sergio Garcia and Kevin Na shared a three-way tie for second with Woodland.

It was a fourth PGA Tour win for Moore who was proud of the way he played down the stretch with birdies at 14 and 17.

“It was incredible to finish the way I did coming down those last few holes,” he said. 

“I like to tell myself all the time that `I am a closer. Let’s just do what we can, hit good shots and let’s close this thing’ and I was able to do that.” 

The 31-year-old thinks more PGA Tour players should play in the event next year.

“You know, I love it down here,” Moore said.  

“I enjoy the trip every single year, not just I keep winning here, but that would be nice if that kept happening.  I would like that.  I would like it even more.

“But no, I’ve enjoyed it from the get‑go when we played it at The Mines, and I love this golf course.  I think this is a really good test of golf.  It tests every aspect of your game.  

“It’s just one I look forward to coming to really every year.  It’s just great hospitality, and honestly everything about it.  It’s just a great, great week.” 

He added how the win early in the season really helps him set up for the rest of the year

“I mean, this is huge to start off with a victory and to get those 500 points early.  It really does set the schedule for me.  

“It makes me really get to just choose and play what I want to play and not necessarily adding stuff in or maybe wearing myself out.  Just having a victory like this early in the year just allows me to be really choosey about why I play.  

“I think that’s huge for me, and it’s been so big to be able to choose the last year, just be able to be really well rested and prepared every single tournament I’ve played, and I’ve played much more consistent because of that.”