THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

12 qualifiers add spice to first guys-vs-gals pro golf tournament

12 qualifiers add spice to first guys-vs-gals pro golf tournament

Unfancied Amarin Kraivixien shot a stunning bogey-free 63 to win Monday’s qualifying tournament for this week’s Thailand Mixed presented by Golf Trust at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin. The country’s first-ever clash between male and female professionals will tee off on Thursday (February 25) with the top 12 from Monday’s qualifying.

12 qualifiers add spice to first guys-vs-gals pro golf tournament

Amarin, the winner of the 2019 Thailand Development Tour in Nakhon Nayok, sank nine birdies to reign supreme at the par-72 layout over 7,286 yards.

The 24-year-old Bangkokian will join 11 other qualifiers in Thursday’s main draw, where 60 top male golfers will battle 60 female stars for Bt3 million in prize money.

“This is by far my best career score since I turned professional in July last year,” said Amarin. “Teamwork between me and my caddie finally paid off. I got off to a great start and carried that pressure-free momentum to the end,” he added.

Four shots behind were Thanpisit Omsin, Settee Prakongvech and Prin Sirisommai, each on 67.

Thanpisit, 25, shot six birdies against a lone bogey.

“I just tried to hit the fairways as it was very windy on the back nine. But starting with three straight birdies really helped… For Thursday, I hope to make the cut first and see how things go from there,” he said.

Also qualifying on four-under-par 68 were Thanarat Srisathaporn, Sakchai Sirimaya, Jakkanat Inmee, Panuwat Bulsombath and Kittiporn Javanapong. The last three places went to Tawit Polchai, Thanakorn Thipayachan and Peradol Panyathanasedh, all on 69.

The spectator-free Thailand Mixed runs from Thursday to Sunday (February 25-28) with a top prize of Bt450,000 up for grabs. Players will compete in a stroke-play format over 72 holes with the full 7,285-yard for the men cut to 6,277 yards for the women. The top 60 who make the cut will proceed to the weekend rounds.

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