Nitithorn Thippong sank a 30-foot birdie putt to beat veteran Thammanoon Sriroj in a sudden death play-off and claim his first Thailand PGA Tour title at the Singha-SAT Khao-Yai Championship 2017 yesterday.
Nitithorn and Thammanoon shot matching four-under 67s in the final round yesterday to finish on 16-under 268 at Khaoyai Golf Club in Nakhon Ratchasima.
On his second attempt at the 18th hole during the play-off, Nitithorn beautifully holed his birdie putt from 30 feet while Thammanoon had a par. Both parred the hole on their first try.
"I'm so happy. I didn't think I would win my first Thai PGA Tour title this soon," said the 21-year-old Nitithorn, who turned pro in 2015. "I've been working really hard, trying to improve my game. This win made it all worth it.
"I was so nervous during the play-off because Thammanoon is a very experienced player," he added. "But I think the fact I just focused on my game and didn't think about winning helped me tremendously."
Nitithorn took home the 240,000 baht winner's cheque while Thammanoon received 132,000 baht.
Overnight leader Donlaphatchai Niyomchon, who started the day three strokes ahead, shot a 71 to finish third on 269. Worrasorn Suwanpanang (67) and Supakrit Rattanakamphol (70) shared fourth place on 271.
The Thailand PGA Tour season will conclude with the Singha-SAT Khon Kaen Championship at Singha Park Khonkaen Golf Club next month. The Dec 13-16 event offers a total prize money of three million baht.