Lucky Pannakorn Fires Hole In One for Mazda Car
The Lady of Luck smiled on Pannakorn Uthaipas during the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation at the Black Mountain Golf Club as he won a BT1.5 Million New CX-5 XD Mazda car following a hole-in-one shot during the first round yesterday.
The 26-year-old former national player, with iron six, sent home a 193 yard tee shot on the par 3 hole 14 for his third career ace and a tied second place along with Peradol Panyathanasedh, Oscar Zetterwall of Sweden and Sorachut Hansapiban. Each with a 68.
“I was happy to hit a hole in one but I was even happier when a referee told me it was an award winning hole,” said the Bangkokian who got involved in a car accident several years ago and almost said farewell to his career. Last year he changed his name from Suppakorn Utaipat to change luck. And by far that proved as the right move.
Chiang Mai-based Udorn Duangdecha sank five birdies, one eagle on the 13 th and a bogey on the second hole to take a lone lead with 66. The 47-year-old remains on track in his campaign to finish the year as No 1 both on the Thailand PGA Tour and All Thailand Tour where he is the current leader on the Order of Merits.
Udorn Duangdecha
“I just used my new equipment today and they suit me well. I’m quite happy with every aspect of my game,” said Udorn winner of two local events this year in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Nayok.
“It’s a good start for me. I hope to hit some 3-4 under each day to remain in contention for the win this week.”
Defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat, affected by exhaustion from consecutive events in five weeks opened his campaign with a 71.
“I want to win a home event as I barely have chance to play in Thailand. I’m having some injuries and feel tired. However I only have myself to blame for easy shots that I didn’t make today,” Kiradech said.
