14 Fenix XCell sponsored players from 7 different countries were in the field last week at the prestigious Thailand Open at Thai Country Club. The US$300,000 full-field event, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Thailand Golf Association, returned to the club for a 3rd consecutive year and featured some of the finest players in Asia and abroad.
Leading the Fenix XCell Ambassadors going into the event was Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, who was looking to follow in the footsteps of his father, Suthep, who lifted the title in 1991 and was the first-ever Thai to do so. Nicknamed The Big Dolphin, Prom began the tournament well, taking the lead during the 2nd round, but unfortunately was unable to keep up the pace and dropped down the board over the weekend.
To the surprise of everyone, the best-positioned player going into the final round, competing in the final group, was 19-year old amateur “Tae” Natthaphat Harnchokechaiskul, who showed maturity and composure beyond his years by holding his own in an elite field and finishing in 6th place, comfortably securing the title for top-amateur.
Also with good performances were Japan’s Shinichi Mizuno, who finished inside the top 20, and Finland’s Teemu Putkonen, who shot a stunning round of 64 on Saturday in windy conditions to threaten the leaders, but unfortunately fell back on Sunday with a 74. Both players are in India this week as the Asian Tour continues, and both will be looking to finish the season strongly to finish inside the top-60 on the Order of Merit which is required to retain their playing rights for 2020.
Photo Credit: Asian Tour
Fenix-Sponsored Participants & Fenix XCell Ambassadors
Itthipat Buranatanyarat (Thailand)
James Byrne (Scotland)
Lerd Bhakdibhumi (Thailand)
Mardan Mamat (Singapore)
Mathiam Keyser (South Africa)
Natthaphat Harnchokechaiskul (Thailand)
Prom Meesawat (Thailand)
Scott Barr (Australia)
Shinichi Mizuno (Japan)
Tawit Polthai (Thailand)
Teemu Putkonen (Finland)
Quincy Quek (Singapore)
Wisut Artjanawat (Thailand)
Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng (Thailand)
