Seven Thais make grade for Asian Tour 2019
Seven THAIS led by Gunn Charoenkul earned their Asian Tour cards after finishing in the top 35 in the final Asian Tour Qualifying School tournament in Hua Hin yesterday.
Gunn completed an unforgettable week at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club by carding the lowest score of the day with a 61 to finish on 23-under-par 331, a stroke behind winner Austen Truslow of the United States who topped the class with a closing 65 for a total 331.
“Fifty-nine was playing on my mind today,” said the 26-year-old Thai, who spent most of 2018 playing on the Japan Tour. “After nine holes, I got a little nervous and I got a little hiccup on 10th, where I hit it into the hazard but still managed to make par. I kept going and on 15th, I put it on the back of my head that I couldn’t do it [break 60]. I’ll have to change my schedule after earning an Asian Tour card.”
India’s Aadil Bebi, the youngest player at 17 to tee up in Hua Hin, showed his mental toughness by posting a 63 to end the week tied for ninth.
After learning he had lost a close friend to a traffic accident at the start of the week, Bebi displayed maturity beyond his years by staying focused to earn his playing rights for the 2019 Asian Tour.
Sadom Kaewkanjana and 2017 SEA Games teammate Kosuke Hamamoto, a Thai-Japanese, were also among the local players to earn their Tour cards. Sadom, who last week helped Thailand beat Japan 15-13 in the Amata Friendship Cup, will now turn pro.
“I’m very excited and happy to earn my card. I’m looking to turn professional after this event, and in 2019 I hope to retain my playing rights for next season,” said the 20-year-old, who also won the All Thailand Golf Tour Q School earlier.
The other Thai graduates yesterday were Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Poom Pattaropong, Naras Luangphetcharaporn and Kwanchai Tannin.
