Flawless Budsabakorn has slim lead in Singha-SAT tourney
Chiang Mai - Continuous drizzle failed to deter, who shot a 69 for a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Bt1 million Singha-SAT Toyota Thai LPGA Championship at the par-72, 6,272-yard Mae Jo Golf Resort and Spa yesterday.
The Chiang Rai-based golfer was the only one in the field of 70 to play a flawless round, sinking three birdies. “It was tough to play under such conditions. I just tried to keep the ball in play and tried not to miss the greens,” said the 19-year-old, whose last win was at a Taiwan LPGA event two years ago.
With rains expected to continue until the end of the tournament, Budsabakorn is prepared to compete in damp conditions and hoped to end her long title drought.
“You have to keep the grips of the clubs dry and change the gloves quite often under this condition. About the game plan, I won’t be using too much power and be more patient,” said Budsabakorn, who decided to compete in Asia after failing to keep her LPGA card this year.
“I rushed myself too much by jumping on to the LPGA Tour when I was still young with little experience. I lost my confidence and realised I need a few more years of experience before I return to the US again,” said the teenager, who is followed a stroke by fellow Chiang Rai native Ploychompoo Wirairungrueng and 13-year-old amateur Chanettee Wannasan of Chiang Mai. Each carded a 70.
