Khon Kaen: Namchok Tantipokhakul sank two eagles in the third round for a two-shot lead at the Singha SAT Championship yesterday.
The 30-year-old from Chon Buri hit a six-under-par 66 for 200 at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club in the final event of the 2016 Thai PGA Tour season.
Overnight leader Thanyakorn Khrongpha made four birdies and two bogeys and dropped to second on 202.
Surarit Yongcharoenchai (67), who is looking for his maiden professional title, and Piya Swangarunporn (69) were a stroke further back on 203, while Prom Meesawat shot a 68 for a 206.
Seeking for his fourth title on the Thai PGA Tour and first since 2010, Namchok started the round two shots adrift.
He then made the turn at 32 with eagles at the third and seventh holes.
After dropping a shot at the 11th, he fought back with three birdies in the last four holes.
He said that he was a bit lucky to get two eagles.
"In fact, my game was not really good on the front nine," he said. "I struggled a bit with my iron play," he said.
Thanyakorn of Khon Kaen said the winds changed directions so it was difficult to play.
"To win the title I have to be more aggressive," he said.
Chinnarat Phadungsil (70) was joint eighth on 209 with Panuphol Pittayarat (70), Danthai Boonma (72) and Jakraphan Premsirigorn (72).
Poosit Supupramai made one eagle, seven birdies and one bogey after 15 holes.
Unfortunately, he suffered a double bogey at the 17th and bogeyed at the last hole to drop to 12th on 210 with Prayad Marksaeng (71) and Pavit Tangkamolprasert (72).
Phachara Khongwatmai, who won the Singha E-San Open here in March, dropped three shots in the last two holes to finish on 73.
He was on 212 with Jaturon Duangphaichoom (74).
Meanwhile, Bubba Watson might be adding a pink golf ball to go with his pink driver -- and a green ball for the Masters, the Associated Press reported.
Reports in South Korea say that Watson has agreed to a deal to use the Volvik golf ball starting next month.
The Korean ball manufacturer mainly has been used on the LPGA Tour and is best known for golf balls it produces in a variety of colours.
And that might be the perfect fit for the two-time Masters champion.
Watson for years has used a driver with a pink shaft and pink club head. He also wears different coloured golf gloves.
Shin Dong-Hwan, president of Volvik USA, was quoted as saying that Watson suggested using a pink golf ball for the final round of tournaments -- and maybe even a green ball at the Masters.
Watson's agent, Jens Beck, called the report "unsubstantiated rumours" and declined further comment. Watson's deal with Titleist expires at the end of this year.