Thai pro golfer Rattanon Wannasrichan won the four-day SJM Macao Open yesterday at the Macau Golf and Country Club in Coloane, taking home a US$180,000 cheque and marking his first win on the Asian Tour in seven years.
The SJM Macao Open was held from Thursday through yesterday, with SJM Resorts again the title sponsor of the Asian Tour and Macao Golf Association-sanctioned event, which attracted top players from different parts of the world vying for the US$1 million prize pot.
Statements on the Asian Tour’s website noted that 29-year-old Wannasrichan remained dominant during the four-day tournament, while a statement issued after his win yesterday noted that he had “completed arguably the finest week of his career by firing a four-under-par 66 to finish the tournament on 20 under”.
Compatriot Gunn Charoenkul won second followed by Poosit Supupramai, also Thai, with both respectively finishing the tournament at 18 under and 16 under.
During yesterday’s post-tournament press conference, Wannasrichan said that he felt “so happy” to win, being thankful that he did not give up during difficult times and added that he worked really hard this season.
He told the media that being able to “control his patience” was something that helped him win. “I didn’t want to think about winning”, noting that if he didn’t think about winning too much, maybe it could help.
He also thanked his girlfriend, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour player from Thailand Manuschaya ‘Minnie’ Zeemakorn, who was his caddy during the tournament. “She helped me with everything because we stayed together. She helps me a lot on my life and golf”.
Meanwhile, he also told local media after the press conference that he felt really excited about his win in Macau. “I’m really excited because I like Macau, I love to come here”, adding that being able to win this year made him feel “so happy”.
Thai pro golfer Rattanon Wannasrichan poses with his trophy after winning the four-day SJM Macao Open at the Macau Golf and Country Club in Coloane. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
