Arpichaya Yubol lifted her maiden Thai WPGA Tour title with a four-shot victory over Princess Superal of the Philippines in the 2.5-million-baht SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking at Rayong Green Valley Country Club yesterday.
Despite strong winds and rains, the 20-year-old from Saraburi remained calm under harsh conditions to card a final round 68, with six birdies against two bogeys, for a nine-under-par 207 total.
After three runner-up positions on the on the SAT-TWT circuit, Arpichaya rose to the challenge eventually.
"I'm so happy to finally win on this tour after coming so close several times. It's a relief," said Arpichaya who won the Thailand Mixed event in Lamphun two weeks ago.
"I got off to a great start by firing two straight birdies. But after I made two bogeys on the next three holes, my father said there were plenty more holes to play and told me to slow down the pace. So, I regrouped and took it one step at a time," added Arpichaya, who won 367,500 baht in prize money.
This year, Arpichaya has won three tournaments including one in the LET Access Series in July in Scotland.
Her latest victory should be a good psychological booster for the Thai star before she tees off in the LPGA Q-School second stage in Florida next month.
Superal, with five birdies and a bogey, finished with a 68 for five-under 211 to match her previous best result on the tour.
"I am so happy as I didn't expect to play well on the final day. It's definitely a good thing for me," said the 25-year-old.
After winning five straight domestic events, Patcharajutar Kongkraphan had to be content with a tied third position with Sherman Santiwiwatthanahong, Jackie Chulya and Chayanit Wangmahaporn on three-under 213.