Gowa, November 17 - Thailand’s Annop Tangkamolprasert came of age today with a fine victory in the storm interrupted Gowa Classic on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
The promising young golfer registered his first win since turning professional in 2007 after shooting a three-under-par 69 to triumph by three shots over Singaporean rookie Choo Tze Huang, who also carded 69.
In a dramatic finish at Padivalley Golf Club, a lightning and heavy rain storm hit just as the final group, consisting of Annop, Choo and Thailand’s Pravee Visalkit walked off the 17th green.
Annop led by three from Choo at that stage but play was stopped for two hours and 15 minutes before both players returned to make par.
“I was a bit worried because I thought the delay would stop my flow,” said Annop.
“I made a par though so it went to plan. I didn’t really expect anything this week so I am really happy. It will be a big confidence boost.”
He finished with a four-round total of nine-under-par 279.
The 22-year-old started the day with a three shot lead and was never really threatened until the storm hit at about 2pm and left an element of uncertainty.
However, Annop so often in the shadow of his older brother Pavit, comfortably handled the situation.
“I will call my mum first before I call him (Pavit),” joked Annop, who is based at Amata Spring Country Club in Thailand.
Pavit, a regular on the ASEAN PGA Tour and OneAsia, chose not to play this week as he is at home in Thailand awaiting the arrival of his visa so that he can play in the final stage of the forthcoming Japan Tour qualifying school.
Annop picked up a cheque for US$16,675 while Choo earned US$11,350.
It was also the finest performance of Choo’s fledgling professional career.
He turned professional last November and despite a brilliant amateur career has found life in the paid ranks difficult.
Making the cut in last week’s US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open - where he won US$19,200 – appears to be a key turning point for the 25-year-old.
“I am really pleased with myself as I played very well,” said Choo.
“It is turning out to be a great finish to the year. I am learning all the time and being in the final group in the final round today for the first time in a pro event was good experience.”
He is Singapore’s most successful amateur, having won the individual title in the Putra Cup in 2006 and 2011, and now appears to be on his way to success as a professional.
Pravee returned a 71 to finish in third place five shots behind Annop.
Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, winner of last year’s ASEAN PGA Tour Order of Merit title, finished in sole possession of fourth place on two-under for the tournament. He fired a 72.
Indonesians George Gandranata and Andik Mauluddin finished best for the host nation with a total score of 289 for a share of 7th place.
The Gowa Classic is the first professional tournament staged in Makassar - a port city located on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Gowa is located on the perimeter of Makassar.
The next event of the 2012/13 season on the ASEAN PGA Tour schedule is the US$75,000 Sabah Masters.
The tournament, won last year by Wisut, will be played at Sutera Harbour Golf Club from January 9 to 12, and is the final counting event for the Order of Merit.
Leading final round scores (Par 72):
279 - Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 73 70 67 69
282 - Choo Tze Huang (SIN) 71 70 72 69
284 - Pravee Visalkit (THA) 72 71 70 71
286 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 73 70 71 72
287 - Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 73 72 73 69
288 - Chawinroj Krobteeranon (THA) 72 71 77 68
289 - Somsak Khaoprathum (THA) 79 73 69 68, Ekalak Waisayakul (THA) 77 70 70 72, George Gandranata (INA) 71 72 73 73, Andik Mauluddin (INA) 73 71 71 74
290 - Kenneth De Silva (MAS) 72 71 72 75
291 - Ian Andrew (INA) 74 77 73 67
292 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 74 73 73 72
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