'Spice girl' Patcharachuta takes Jakarta title

Yesterday, the 20-year-old showed that a little bit of bantering and golf would mix well, clinching the Enjoy Jakarta Ladies Indonesian Open by three strokes over Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Yu Ling at the Palm Hill Golf Club.

Both Patcharachuta and Hsieh shot the final round’s lowest score of 4-under 68. The Thai finished with a three-round total of 209 while Hsieh ended with 212.

Emerging Malaysian golfer Kelly Tan, who led by one stroke going into the final round and playing as an amateur, finished sole third with a total of 214. She also led other amateurs Dottie Ardina of the Philippines (joint fourth) and Malaysian countrywoman Michelle Koh (sole seventh).

Patcharachuta, who had three top-10 finishes on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour events, picked up strokes at the first, third, fourth, seventh and 15th holes but dropped one at the 18th.

“I played really good. I did not bother about how I’m going to play but all I was interested was how I’m going to win. So, I played a little aggressive. I like to enjoy life both on and off the course – like Cristina Kim of the US who plays on the USLPGA. I love fun, it keeps me cool and takes whatever pressure off me. Joking around is part of my golfing recipe,” she said.

She said it was good that the greens here were small. “So, you need good judgement and accuracy and I did just that.”

Hsieh, a three-time winner on the Taiwan LPGA, said this was her best finish on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. “I equalled my own record when I finished second also in Bangkok two years ago,” she said.

Tan said she could not hold on to the lead. “Had I started with a birdie or two, it could have spurred me to go for the title and perhaps apply a little aggression to my game. But when I dropped a shot, I switched to caution.”

Patcharachuta, who pocketed US$30,000, the biggest pay cheque of her fledgling career, said she has not decided how to spend it. “I’m going to enjoy some wine tonight,” she said grinning ear to ear.