Patcharajutar Edges Out Phannarai in Play-Off for Fifth Season Victory
Two-time Thai LPGA Tour No. 1 player Patcharajutar Kongkraphan defeated Phannarai Meesom-us
in the first play-off to secure her fifth title of the season during the final round of the Bt2.5 million
Thai LPGA Championship at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in Prachuab Khiri Khan on Friday.
The 2021-2022 Order of Merit champion was tied with Phannarai at three under-par
213 after the regular round but clinched victory in the extra hole, where she parred the hole.
This left Phannarai, who suffered a bogey, to settle in second place.
“I’m so happy to win on this course after having to battle not only the tough course
conditions but also the mental challenge,” said Patcharajutar, who carded a final round of 73.
She has now won five titles since January this year. Her other wins in 2023 came from
the Thai LPGA event in Nakhon Ratchasima in May and three from the Taiwan LPGA Tour.
“This is my second win on the Thai LPGA this year. Actually, I didn't expect to win.
During the play-off, I just tried to play aggressively. Hole No. 18 is tough as you have to hit the right spot;
otherwise, you will miss the green. I executed a good second shot and made some great putts,”
added the 31-year-old, who earned the winner’s check of Bt350,000 and the Singha Rises trophy.
In fact, Patcharajutar has now won a total of 8 titles on the Thai LPGA Tour since 2012.
She dedicated this latest win to her mother in celebration of Mother’s Day, which is tomorrow.
Apart from the season-ending Thai LPGA event at the Black Mountain Golf Course next month,
Patcharajutar is set to represent Thailand in the Asian Games, which she mentioned might be
her final representation for the Kingdom.
Phannarai, who shot a final round of 71, received the runner-up prize money of Bt225,000 as consolation.
Samaporn Khangkhun, with a 74 in the final round and a total of 215, secured third place on her own,
while overnight leader Noramol Nuchsila stumbled to a 78, landing her in a tied sixth position with a total of 217.
The tournament was the 9th stop on the 2023 Thai LPGA Tour circuit and featured a three-day stroke play format,
covering a total of 56 holes. Only the top 50 and ties advanced to the final round.
The season-ending Thai LPGA event, the BGC Thailand LPGA Masters, is scheduled at the Black Mountain Golf Club
from September 6-8 and offers the largest prize money of Bt4 million.
Fans can visit the website www.thailpga.com to follow the live scores of all Thai LPGA events. Additionally,
live streaming of the final round on Friday will be accessible through various platforms such as AIS Play,
Facebook (Thai LPGA Tour), YouTube (Thai LPGA Tour), and BG Channel.
The Thai Ladies Professional Golf Association (Thai LPGA) offers a valuable platform for both professional
and amateur golfers to refine their skills and compete in tournaments.
Participating in the Thai LPGA events allows players to earn points for the Thai LPGA rankings and Order of Merit,
as well as accumulate Rolex Women’s World Ranking points.
These rankings and points serve as crucial indicators of a golfer's standing and can open doors for
professional opportunities on a global level.
The Thai LPGA Tour receives support from various organizations and sponsors, including
the Sports Authority of Thailand, National Sports Development Funds, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT),
BG Container Glass, Pathumthani Glass Industry, Boon Rawd Trading, Central Group, Leonian (Thailand), Muang Thai Life Assurance,
Nikon Sales Thailand, AIS PLAY, Nestle (Thai), and Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
The involvement and support of these entities contribute to the success and growth of the Thai LPGA Tour,
enabling golfers to showcase their talents and pursue their professional aspirations.