Jakarta: Young Thai talent Panuphol Pittayarat completed a total of 25 holes yesterday to claim a commanding five-shot victory for his maiden Asian Tour title at the weather-hit Indonesia Open.
The 24-year-old Panuphol returned in the morning to finish the remaining seven holes from his third round where he signed for a five-under-par 67 to lead by three shots heading into the final round.
Panuphol traded three birdies against a bogey for an outward 34, grabbing just a one-shot edge over a fast-charging countryman Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, who closed in with four birdies, at the turn.
Panuphol, however, pulled clear with three straight birdies from the 10th hole before adding two more birdies in his closing five holes for a final round 65 and a winning total of 23-under-par 265 at the Pondok Indah Golf Course.
"Even though I played 25 holes today, it was a good day because I felt very comfortable out there playing with two Thai players," said Panuphol, who took home a winner's prize purse of US$54,000 (approximately 1.8 million baht) and propelled to 14th place on the Order of Merit.
Panuphol also earned a one-year winner exemption on the tour following his win. Prior to yesterday's success, Panuphol had three top-10s on the Asian Tour this season.
"I came out this week with a new mentality to just enjoy golf and stick to my routine regardless of the result. Coming down the 18th hole, I totally did not know what I was shooting. I just took it one shot at a time. During the suspension, I got a bit of a rest and after that, I just went out to play.
"I tried to play every hole the same way and not think about the result and it works! I will keep that mentality going into the next couple of tournaments," added the Thai, who became the 10th first-time winner on the Asian Tour this season.
Tirawat returned with a second straight 67 to settle for second place, while Jazz Janewattananond and Namchok Tantipokhakul, also of Thailand, shared third place on 273 following respective rounds of 67 and 69 at the US$300,000 (10 million baht) Asian Tour event.
"I am very happy. I know Panuphol is a very good player, so I just played my own game and I tried my best. My putting on my back nine was not very good, but overall, I did well," said Tirawat, who marked his best ever result on the Asian Tour with his runner-up finish.
"Finishing inside top-three is always good," said Jazz. "Last year I tried to keep my card at this event and I was trying too hard and was in a bad place. I came back this year with a different perspective and just enjoyed the beautiful course."
Rattanon Wannasrichan, 22, stayed bogey-free in his last 29 holes to ensure a strong Thai presence on the final leaderboard. He closed with a flawless 67 to grab fifth place on his own on 274.
Rory Hie soared with two eagles and one birdie in his closing five holes to emerge as the highest-placed Indonesian in 12th place on 277.
The penultimate round of the event was affected by a lengthy rain delay on Saturday. A total of 57 players returned yesterday morning to complete their third rounds with the final round being played concurrently.
There was no redraw for the players' groups for the final round.
