Australia’s Scott Hend charged from six shots back to win the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT by three strokes after a stunning closing eight under par 64.
Big-hitting Hend earned his third Asian Tour title in front of large crowds at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai, taking home the winner’s cheque with his 20 under par total.
South African newcomer Bryce Easton, playing in his first Asian Tour event, also shot a 64 to take second place while a faltering Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, who led by five overnight, settled for third on 272 after a 74.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, who needed a victory to have a chance of qualifying for the Masters Tournament in a fortnight, finished tied for tenth position after a 72 while South Africa’s Ernie Els, using the belly putter after three days with the short stick, finished tied 14th.
“To be honest, I didn’t think I had a chance to win,” said the 40 year old Hend. “I played with Prayad the first two rounds and he was hitting the ball great and putting great. And obviously he played great yesterday again and I thought he would continue with the way he was playing.
“I was just looking for a solid top-five finish. Obviously it all fell together and I played quite well. Unfortunately for the other guys, they didn’t quite keep the pace going which was good for me.”
