Qualifier sinks Prayad with decisive putt in Nakhon Ratchasima play-off
Unfancied Pisitchai Thippong upset Thai golfing legend Prayad Marksang in a play-off to seal his maiden Thai PGA victory in the Bt2-million Singha-SAT Nakhon Ratchasima Championship on Sunday.
Needing a birdie on the final hole in regulation, the 20-year-old matched the leading score of nine-under-par 201 by the 10-time Asian Tour winner Prayad, forcing an extra duel at the par-70 6,879-yard Panorama Golf and Country Club.
However, when the 54-year-old Prayad missed a six-foot birdie putt on the par-3 eighth hole, the young gun did not waste his opportunity, sending home a five-foot birdie to celebrate his first-ever crown on the Thai PGA Tour.
It turned out to be a big surprise for Pisitchai who had to compete in the qualifying round to earn his spot this week.
“I wasn’t expecting to play so well,” said the overwhelmed Pisitchai, who returns home Bt240,000 richer from the victory. “I was a bit confused with my swing and didn’t feel confident coming to this tournament. It was only in the qualifying round that I got my momentum and I have been carrying it throughout the week.”
Playing alongside the Thai veteran, one of the most successful Thai players, was a bonus for the man from Pathum Thani province.
“I was so excited to play against him. It wasn’t easy at all to keep calm in this unfamiliar situation,” he added.
Prayad had to settle for second and the runner-up prize money of Bt132,000.
