Parinda calms down to finally win Masters
2017 No 1 Parinda Phokan finished the 2018 Thai LPGA Tour on a high on Friday, beating amateur Kultida Pramphun by six strokes to capture her second title of the year in the Bt4 million Thai LPGA Masters at the Panya Indra Golf Course in Bangkok.
The 21-year-old, who won the Thai LPGA Order of Merit last year, recovered from a bogey on the fifth hole to fire five birdies in a closing 69 for a 14 under-par-202 to complete a wire-to-hire victory.
“I came close to winning several times in this tournament and finally I made it this year. I’m so proud of myself,” said Parinda, who finished second last year.
Starting the round with a four-shot lead, Parinda admitted she was a bit nervous at the start but stuck to her game plan by enjoying the day – and that was the key.
“I was excited. I shot no score and made a bogey on the fifth. But then I tried to calm down and started making birdies. I really wanted to win here as I have been playing since I was young,” added Parinda, who earned a winner’s cheque for Bt600,000.
World No 2 and 14 Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn also stopped by at the course to show their support for local tour. Their presence was very special to Parinda.
“They are my inspiration. I always hope to succeed like they do. But I still need a few years to gain more experience before I turn to the LPGA Tour,’’ added Parinda, who won a Thai LPGA event at home in Khon Kaen earlier this year.
Asian Games player Kultida, 17, produced the round’s lowest of a 67 to finish second on eight-under 208, her best result on the professional event.
“I came into the tournament hoping to make it to the top 10 but coming second was way beyond my expectation,” said the Ampornpaisarn Pak Kred School pupil.
Kultida was part of the Asian Games team which was widely expected to produce at least one medal for Thailand but returned empty-handed.
This week’s result was a redemption for her.
“Everybody was under so much pressure during the Asian Games. For me, I learned so many things that really helped me to play well this week. When you play with no pressure, you tend to have better results,” added Kultida, who plans to turn professional next year after the SEA Games in the Philippines.
As an amateur Kultida was not eligible for the prize-money.
Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras, one of the eight Thais who have maintained LPGA cards for 2019, shot a final 68 to share third place on 210 with Australian Munchin Keh and South Korean Park Jin Hee.
“I always feel happy every time I came back to play here. I just wished I could have done better but finishing third was more than OK,” said Pannarat.
She and the other third-placed finishers received Bt313,333 each.
