Phachara Khongwatmai captured his 6th title on All Thailand Golf Tour after storming to a five-stroke victory at three-million baht Singha Pattaya Open on Sunday.
Phachara, who carried a three-shot advantage into the final round, closed with a 68 to win on 20-under 260 while Sadom Kaewkanjana (70) was second on 15-under.
The 22-year-old golfer from Hat Yai, Songkhla, who fired a course-record 59 in the first round at par-70 Burapha Golf & Resort, received 450,000 baht and five world ranking points for his 6th title on the tour.
Sadom, who was looking for his third win in a row after two victories in Phuket, got 285,5000 baht. With that, he strengthens his position at the top of the money list with 1,182,100 baht after only four events.
Defending champion Prom Meesawat, who won here four times, came in third after making a 69 for 10-under and earned 165,000baht.
“To be honest, I do not expect to win here at all. I just want to warm up for Thailand Open,” said Phachara.
“I struggled a bit in the final round because of tougher conditions. With Sadom making a double bogey at 16th, I feel comfortable to play and win.”
As an amaterur, Phachara won his first ATGT title at Hua Hin Open 2013 at the age of 14, the tour youngest-ever champion.
Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol (67) was fourth at 7-under with Charng-Tai Sudsom (66) staying 5th.
The low amateur award went to Ratchanon Chantananuwat (75), who shared 31sth on 281 with the likes of veteran Chapchai Nirat (70) and Atirut Winaicharoenchai (70). The 14-year-old Ratchanon won the amateur award in all the three events including a second finish at Singha Laguna Phuket Open a few week ago.
The next ATGT tour event is the lucrative Thailand Open. The 10-million baht event, Thailand’s oldest golf event, will be staged at Riverdale Golf Club, Pathum Thani on October 28-31.
