Negeri Sembilan: Chanat Sakulpolphaisan of Thailand became the 19th first-time Asian Development Tour (ADT) winner this season when he triumphed at the PGM Nilai Springs Championship on Saturday.
The 25-year-old shot a four-under-par 67 to win the RM200,000 (approximately US$50,000) ADT event with a score of 18-under-par 266 at the Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club.
Jordan Sherratt of Australia finished two shots back as he settled for his second runner-up result this year following a 66. Malcolm Kokocinski (69) of Sweden closed with a 69 to end his campaign in third position, five shots from the winner.
Chanat, who held the overnight lead, was flawless in a round of four birdies as he peppered the flags for close range birdies. His longest birdie putt of the day was a 15-footer on the 14th hole.
The victory was a huge reward for the in-form Thai, who had secured two straight top-10 results before the PGM Nilai Springs Championship.
“It feels great and awesome to win. I felt a bit nervous but I stayed focus. It wasn’t easy but I’m glad I did it. This is a very big win for me,” said Chanat, who played collegiate golf for Mississippi college before turning professional last year.
Chanat believes the win will be a confidence booster as he aims to earn an Asian Tour card through Qualifying School next year. He missed the grade earlier this year but has improved by gaining valuable experience on the ADT.
“Like many professionals, I dream of winning. I want to win on the Asian Tour but this is a big step in my career. Before turning professional, I watched so many Thai players including Kiradech Aphibarnrat win. I hope I can have a successful career like him in the future,” said Chanat.
For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com
Leading final round scores:
266 - Chanat SAKULPOLPHAISAN (THA) 67 66 66 67
268 - Jordan SHERRATT (AUS) 69 64 69 66
271 - Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 69 68 65 69
272 - Sean RIORDAN (NZL) 68 67 70 67
275 - Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 74 67 67 67, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 71 70 65 69, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 68 68 68 71
276 - HSIEH Chi-hsien (TWN) 69 71 66 70
277 - Christopher CANNON (ENG) 68 68 71 70, Sam CYR (USA) 72 68 67 70
278 - Johnson POH (SIN) 66 73 71 68
279 - Mohd Iylia JAMIL (MAS) 67 71 75 66, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 68 72 70 69, Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 70 70 69 70, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 71 68 69 71, Casey O'TOOLE (USA) 69 70 67 73
