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Atthaya bags 6th professional crown

Atthaya bags 6th professional crown

GOLF: Teenage star Atthaya Thitikul cruised to a five-shot victory at the B1 million Phoenix Ladies Classic in Pattaya on Sunday (Mar 28).

Golf
By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 30 March 2021 08:30 AM


Atthaya Thitikul celebrates with the Phoenix Ladies Classic trophy on Sunday (Mar 28). Photo: Bangkok Post.

Atthaya Thitikul celebrates with the Phoenix Ladies Classic trophy on Sunday (Mar 28). Photo: Bangkok Post.

The 18-year-old star, who held a six-shot advantage after two rounds, closed with a three-under-par 69 to win on 15-under 201 at the Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club.

Making seven birdies against four bogeys in the final round, Atthaya claimed her sixth professional title after turning pro last February.

It was also her third win at the course where she won the Ladies European Tour Thailand Championship as an amateur in 2017 and 2019.

Chakansim Khamborn fired seven birdies and one bogey for a 66 to share second on 10-under 206 with Chanettee Wannasaen (68).

Atthaya took home B110,000, while Chakansim and Chanettee each received B65,000.

Onnarin Sattayabanphot (69) was fourth on 208 with Phannarai Meesom-us (72) and Yupaporn Kawinpakorn (68) tied for fifth on 211.

The tournament was a special event organised by the newly established Thai Women’s Professional Golf Association (ThaiWPGA).

“This win is special because I can take the winner’s cheque now,” said Atthaya, who could not claim prize money for her previous wins at this course due to her amateur status.

“Every golfer has his or her favourite course and I think this one is my favourite and it suits my game.”

She added that she learned a lot during the event, especially the way to adjust her game after poor starts.

“I did not play well on the front nine throughout the tournament, but managed to bounce back through my short game,” she said.

Atthaya added that domestic tournaments were like training grounds for her to hone her skills before playing abroad.