DASMARIÑAS, Cavite – Gunn Charoenkul of Thailand closed out with a pair of double bogeys, but had enough cushion to score a one-stroke win over Clyde Mondilla in the ICTSI Orchard golf championship at the Orchard’s Player course yesterday.
Charoenkul, a 25-year-old pro from Phanga Nga, finished with a one-under par 71 to win the event at 7-under 281.
“I’m happy because all my effort and sacrifices for four days didn’t go to waste,” said Charoenkul who collected $10,500 for his first career victory.
“This is a big boost as I head to Thailand Open this week,” the Thai added.
Charoenkul was five-under through 16 holes and enjoyed a seven-shot lead over Mondilla when he got into trouble in the last two holes.
Mondilla birdied the last two holes for 72, his round marred by four straight bogeys.
“He (Charoenkul) played well except in the last two holes. He deserved the win,” said Mondilla who picked up the $6,900 paycheck.
Another Thai Kasidit Lepkurte capped a 68 with an eagle to tie Elmer Salvador in third spit at 283. Salvador also turned in a 68.
Overnight leader Jay Bayron limped home with a 75 and skidded to joint fifth at 284 in the company of Thai Panuwat Muenlek and American William Cannon, who shot identical 70s.
Micah Shin and Thai Jakraphan Premsirigorn both fired 67s and tied American John Catlin, who carded a 71, at eighth at 286.
Jhonnel Ababa ended up 11th at 287 after a 71 while Tony Lascuña groped for a 73 and wound up tied at 12th with Finland’s Teemu Putkonen, who shot a 69, at even 288.
