Namchok

BY CK ON March Thu, 2017 16:53

Rayong, June 6 : Namchok Tantipokhakul stormed into an eight-stroke victory at the All Thailand Golf Tour's Singha Championship, carding a brilliant final-round 64 in Rayong.

Entering the final round with a one-shot advantage,  Namchok, despite being shocked by a first-hole bogey, fought back immediately by reeling six birdies to turn at 31. He picked up two more birdies on the back nine to finish on 18-under 266 at the par-71 Rayong Green Valley Country Club. 

Natthapong Niyomchon and Udorn Duangdecha shared the second spot on 10-under 274 after carding a final 69 each. 

The victory ended Namchok's seven-year-old title drought on All Thailand Golf Tour. His only previous title on the tour was at the Be-ing Championship in Chon Buri in 2009. It was also his second win this year after claiming the Sabah Masters on the Asian Development Tour recently.

"That first-hole bogey made me nervous, but I recovered quickly with two birdies on the third and fourth and regained confidence," said Namchok.

"My approach shots were really great and gave me a lots of birdie chances.

"I am also lucky that the other golfers failed to get good scores when I was struggling in the tournament."

Namchok received300,000 baht from the 2.2-million-baht tournament, while Natthapong and Adorn received 149,500 baht each.

Lerpong Sithiwong, who trailed the leader by stroke after the third round, had a poor round of 72 and slipped to a fourth-place tie on nine-under 275 with Peradol Panyathanasedh (66). They earned 84,000 baht each.

The lowest amateur score was recorded by Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng (68) who finished tied for sixth on 276.

Last month's Singha Classic winner Jazz Janewattananond was tied for the 20th place on two-under 282 after a final-round 70. Veteran Thaworn Wiratchant (73) was joint 25th on 284.