Self-control the key to Parinda’s triumph
2017 Thai LPGA Tour No 1 Parinda Phokan claimed her first title of the season, beating Yupaporn Kawinpakorn and Wannasiri Sirisampant by three strokes to win the Bt1 million Singha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship third circuit in at the Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday.
The 21-year-old carded five birdies against a lone bogey for a final round of 68 to dominate the par-72 layout with a three-round total of 12 under-par-204 to walk off with the winner’s prize money of Bt142,500.
“I tried to take a good control of myself and I pulled it off. This win will benefit me mentally for my upcoming events,” said Parinda, who now has four Thai LPGA titles to her name.
Parinda said the year so far had been “very positive”.
She signed with new sponsor Volvik and in the process earned herself invites to 10 Korean LPGA events plus a wildcard into the LPGA Volvik Championship in Michigan next month.
“I will try to make the most out of this opportunity. I hope to gain experience from big events that I enter,” said the rising star from Khon Kaen.
“However I plan to enter the Japan Tour Q-School. Earning a card on the Japan Tour is my No 1 priority this year,” she added.
Yupaporn, from Samut Prakarn, fired a closing 69 to finish tied for second with Nakhon Nayok-based Wannasiri (70) after each finished on nine-under 207. They each collected a runners-up cheque for Bt78,730.
The fourth stop on the Thai LPGA Tour is at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, from May 1-3.
