Five Thai players earned their 2015 Asian Tour cards through the qualifying school in Hua Hin yesterday.
Phiphatphong Naewsuk.
With the top 40 players earning playing rights after the final round of the qualifying stage at Springfield Country Club, Phiphatphong Naewsuk, Danthai Boonma, Tiratwat Kaewbandit, Patchara Kongwatmai and Nitithorn Thippong are eligible to play on the tour this year.
Phiphatphong double-bogeyed the third hole but bounced back impressively with six birdies to for a four-under-par 67 to finish third on 275.
He was five strokes behind winner Daniel Chopra of Sweden (68) who made 270, four ahead of runner-up Kalle Samooja of Finland who hit a 65 for 274.
Danthai Boonma.
It was another fine performance by Phiphatphong who two weeks ago won his first professional title at the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, co-sanctioned by the All Thailand Golf Tour and Asian Development Tour.
Former Thailand national player Danthai, who has enjoyed a good run since turning pro late last year, finished tied for seventh after shooting a 70.
“It is a great birthday present for me,” said Danthai, who turned 19 on Friday.
“I got a better result than I had expected. I practised here for two days in windy conditions. Fortunately, it was windy during competition.”
Danthai, who won two gold medals at the 2013 SEA Games and one bronze at last year’s Asian Games, said that he was ready for the new challenge on the tour.
“My initial target is to keep my card and then try to win a title,” Danthai said.
“But I am not sure when I will start my season on the tour.”
Tirawat shot a 69 to finish 27th on 283, while Patchara needed a final hole birdie to earn his card.
The 17-year-old Patchara was tied for 37th with 10 players including Nitithorn.