A 14-year-old Thai lad became the youngest male to win a major professional golf tournament last weekend with a stunning display that left players twice his age trailing in his wake.
Pachara Khongwatmai, who was given the week off school to play in the Singha Hua Hin Open on the ASEAN PGA Tour, marched to a four-stroke victory with a final round four-under-par score of 67 at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Pachara Khongwatmai (center) is flanked by his parents as he poses with the champion’s trophy following his victory in the Singha Hua Hin Open at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Sunday, July 21.
The youngster, who led by two at the start of the day, finished with a four-round aggregate of 13-under to head a formidable field, which listed most of his country’s top players including Prom Meesawat and Prayad Marksaeng.
Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa had previously held the record as youngest winner – he was 15 years old when he won the 2007 Munsingwear Open KSB Cup on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
Pachara began playing golf when he was nine and practices each day after class. He said after his win, “The first thing I need to do is call my friends and catch up on my homework.”
