Chommapat Claims Maiden Win in Khon Kaen
Kalasin-born Chommapat Pongthanarak won her maiden professional crown after she beat Nemittra Juntanaket by three strokes in the final round of the All Thailand Premier Championship 2017 - Road to Singha Masters at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club yesterday.
One year and 10 days after turning professional, the 20-year-old turned her dream a reality by lifting her first trophy after carding a final round 75 for a total 2 over-par-218 in the fifth stop of the All Thailand Tour this season.
“I really worked hard on my short game before coming here. All the hard efforts really paid off this week although I still have to go back and work more on my tee shots,” said Chommapat who picked up the winner’s prize money of Bt32,000.
“I’m more inspired to win this week because I want to have a successful career in golf. My plan is to play the Q-School in Taiwan at the end of the year and later try to play on the China Tour. But the ultimate goal is to join the Japan Tour in the future,” said Chommapat who was followed at second by Nemittra. The latter signed off with a 72 and a total 221.
In the men’s competition, 2015 SEA Games gold medallist Kasidit Lepkurte surged into contention after a third round 70 and a total 11 under-par-205, one ahead of overnight leader Jakraphan Premsirigorn who stumbled to a double bogey on the 17th hole before settling with a 72.
Kasidit Lepkurte
“This is my first time as the third round leader in a local tournament. I did everything right today and I hope to continue this way tomorrow. I want to win my first All Thailand event or at least finish within the top three,” said the Prachinburi resident whose only win came from the Thai PGA Tour event at the Chiangmai Inthanon Golf and Natural Resort in 2015. His best attempt on the All Thailand Tour was tied eighth at the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation in Hua Hin last year.
Jakraphan who has Hong Kong's parents but grew up in Thailand is also eyeing on his first All Thailand win.
Jakraphan Premsirikorn
"I made a few mistakes on the 17th hole. Even though I'm one off the lead, I'm not worried. I'm still confident about my chance on Sunday," said Jakraphan who won an ADT event in Malaysia in 2013 and a THai PGA event at the Lotus Valley Golf Resort in Chachoengsao in 2015.
