First played in 2011, the Thailand Golf Championship has grown to become the Asian Tour’s flagship tournament and is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious golfing titles in the continent. Well known for attracting international stars of the very highest calibre, the tournament, which boasts a prize fund of US$1 million, has enjoyed three spectacular editions to date. Here is a look at the highlights:
Jamie Donaldson fired a brilliant seven-under-par 65 in the final round to claim victory at the Thailand Golf Championship on his debut in the US$1 million Asian Tour showpiece event.
The Welshman, who secured the winning point for Europe at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, opened up with a 63 on day one a�� the joint-low round of the championship a�� and managed to find a similar hot streak on Sunday when he came from behind prevail on a thrilling day of action at Amata Spring Country Club.
Two-time champion Lee Westwood and Francea��s Clement Sordet finished in a tie for second, while Sergio Garica and An Byeong-hun shared fourth. Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Martin Kaymer also enjoyed top-10 places but shot-of-the-day honours went to world number four Bubba Watson who made his first competitive hole-in-one at the par-3 fifth.
a�?This is certainly one of my best victories,a�? said a delighted Donaldson. a�?The field is very strong and to beat these guys is great.a�?
The former world number one won the inaugural edition in 2011 and made it another victory to remember by signing off with a four-day total of eight-under-par 280 at the Amata Spring Country Club.
Garcia, who made his ace at the 198-yard eighth hole during a spectacular second round of 65, put in a fantastic closing round to cruise to a four-stroke victory, a win that propelled the Spaniard back into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking.
Schwartzela��s winning total of 25-under-par saw him pick up his ninth career victory and first on the Asian Tour. Bubba Watson and Thailanda��s Thitiphun Chuayprakong finished in a tie for second, with Sergio Garcia another two shots back in solo fourth.
a�?Ita��s been a great week. We had such a good time last year and obviously I came in second,a�? said Schwartzel, who made only one bogey during the week. a�?I do know how the guys feel like as I had the same feeling last year when I lost to Lee by quite a margin. I played some solid golf. Ia��m very happy.a�?
a�?Ia��ve amazed myself really,a�? said Westwood, who set a new Asian Tour 36-hole scoring record after reaching 18-under. a�?Ita��s been staggering. Ita��s probably the best Ia��ve ever played.a�?