Kwanchai Tannin landed the Thailand Open title with a four-shot victory at the par-71 Riverdale Golf Club in Pathum Thani yesterday.
The Hua Hin golfer, 36, who had a four-shot advantage after three rounds, shot a final-round 67 to win on 23-under 261 at the 50th edition of the oldest professional golf tournament in the country. Newport Laparojkit was the runner-up on 19 under following his 64.
Kwanchai, who became only the seventh Thai to win this prestigious tournament, received the winner's cheque of 1.2 million baht and the King Rama IX trophy while Newport got 760,000 baht.
"I am really proud to win this prestigious event with the trophy graciously bestowed by the late King," said the 36-year-old, who also took his fourth win on the tour.
"It is a great feeling to follow in the footsteps of Suthep [Meesawat] and Prayad [Marksaeng], both from Hua Hin, and win this tournament. I want to thank you for all the support, especially my family."
Rattanon Wannasrichan (68), the 2017 champion, and Jakraphan Premsirigorn (66) shared third with two shots down further. They each took home 385,400 baht from the most lucrative event of eight million baht on the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT).
Settee Prakhongvech, the leader on the ATGT Order of Merit, were joint fifth on 16 under with Charng-tai Sudsom (64) and Varanyu Rattanapaiboonkij (68). They got 220,400 baht each.
Ratchanon Chantananuwat was the low amateur at the event for the second straight year. The 15-year-old, who won on Asian tour in April, closed with a 68 for a 14-under total. He shared the eighth place with Pol Kemarat (65).
The next and penultimate leg of the All Thailand Golf tour 2022 will be the three-million-baht Bangkok Open at Bangkok Golf Club, Pathum Thani, from Oct 13-16.