Thailand-
Former SEA Games gold medallist Nopparat Panichphol produced an unblemished opening round 66 to take the clubhouse’s lead in the fourth circuit of the BT3 million Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old player generated three birdies on the front nine and added three more at the turn to capture the lead for the first time in a professional tournament. He had already completed his round in the morning before play was suspended for 1.40 hours in the afternoon due to lightning.
“This is beyond expectation. I was quite excited,” said Nopparat who helped Thailand win the 2017 SEA Games men’s team event. “Actually, I didn’t start well as I hit my driving shot to the woods on the first hole and to the roughs on the second. But I was able to make crucial par putts that really boosted up my confidence,” added Nopparat who just turned professional at the beginning of the year.
The young gun from Sa Kaeo is in his second Thailand Mixed appearance after finishing tied 22nd in the second circuit in Chiang Mai. His best attempt on the pro circuit was at joint 13th at the All Thailand Golf Tour in Khon Kaen earlier this month.
“My plan is not to hit to the roughs. It will be a bit tough on Wednesday as I will start in the afternoon when the condition will be very windy. I have to stay away from the obstacles, hit the fairways, and make some great putts,” the rookie said.
Also enjoying a bogey-free day was 34-year-old Suttijet Kooratanapisan who followed a shot behind the leader after shooting five birdies for a 67 at the par 72 7,246-yard landscape for the men (6,303 yards for the women).
“I’m happy with the way I hit the iron to create a lot of opportunities out there. I just didn’t make some putts as the lies here are tough to read. I will try to remain focused tomorrow and capitalize on my opportunities more,” said the man from Ratchaburi.
Rounding the top three was a female player Trichat Cheenglab whose round of 68 was highlighted by an eagle on the 13th hole, four birdies, and two bogeys.
“My putts really helped me out there. I made a lot of five-foot birdies,” said the 26-year-old Trichat who was in the same group with former Thai No 1 Thammanoon Sriroj.
“Playing with Thammanoon is a great experience for me. I’ve got to learn his short game. As for my goal this week, I hope to hit three-under every day and shoot scores on par-five holes,” Trichat said.
Several players, each with a 69, shared the fourth position. Among them were first circuit champion Arpichaya Yubol, the only female victor, and Chonlada Chayanun, who won the latest Thai LPGA Tour event two weeks ago.
Red-hot Sadom Kaewkanjana who has won four out of his latest five tournaments started with a 70, four shots off the lead.
“I hit good tee shots but didn’t make my putts. I just missed them a little bit here and there. I think I will get used to the course condition more tomorrow and play better,” said the 23-year-old from Narathiwat.
Play was suspended due to bad light with many players having yet to finish their rounds. First-round actions will resume on Wednesday morning, followed by the second round.
The Thailand Mixed is organized by TrustGolf, an indoor training center with advanced technology, It is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Bangkok Bank, B.Grimm Company, Bond Holdings, AISPLAY, Bridgestone, Trust Pharmacy, Trust Live Streaming, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration and Black Mountain Golf and Resort Hua Hin.
Apart from the prize money, a cheque of Bt30,000 sponsored by Bond Holdings will be awarded to a player with the best score each day. Also, 200 gift sets by S.Khonkaen will be given away to all players in the first day.
Fans can watch live streaming of the competition on AISPLAY APP, https://www.facebook.com/trustgolfclub and at the TrustGolf Youtube channel from 9 am – 5 pm from November 16-17, from 9 am – 3 pm on November 18, and from 9 am – 3.30 pm on November 19. T-Sport Channel will beam live the final round coverage on November 19.
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About TrustGolf
TrustGolf, an indoor training center with advanced technology, has supported international tournaments including the “TrustGolf Women Scottish Open”, a Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned with the LPGA Tour event between 2021-2025. A great number of world-leading golfers signed up for the event which helped promote a good image for Thailand. Moreover, Thai female players, under the support of TrustGolf, were given the opportunity to compete in the European event.
TrustGolf also supports Thai players on the global stage. The company signed with Thai No 1 Jazz Janewattananond, the current No 1 player on the Asian Tour. Other players sponsored by TrustGolf include Prom Meesawat, Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Danthai Boonma, Wichanee Meechai, Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul, and Prima Thammaraks.
In 2021, a total of five Thailand Mixed hosted by TrustGolf series, a TrustGolf Tour, will be held in 2021 with Bt17 million prize money up for grabs.
In terms of the amateur and junior levels, TrustGolf staged the TrustGolf Thailand Masters 2019, Pro-Am Championship Powered by TrustGolf, and Thai Academy Golf Team Championship 2020.
The company also organized projects and tournaments for young golfers such as the TrustGolf Scholarship, Golf to School, and the TrustGolf Amateur Qualifier 2021 which selected players to compete in the Women Amateur Asia Pacific-WAAP), IMG Academy Juniors World Florida Challenge
