In a compelling finish at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Wade Ormsby of Australia won the International Series Thailand, collecting $US360,000, by overcoming Chonlatit Chuenboonngam on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off on March 12th. Ormsby secured his victory by sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the par-five 18th, while Chonlatit failed to make his birdie attempt from eight feet.
With three holes remaining, 42-year-old Ormsby trailed clubhouse leader Chonlatit by one shot on 20 under. Ormsby made a birdie on the 16th hole and had a chance to win on the last hole. He managed to get within 12 feet of the hole from a greenside bunker but missed his birdie attempt, leading to extra time. The Australian finished with a seven-under-par 65, while Chonlatit, an Asian Development Tour (ADT) graduate from last year, shot a 64.
This victory marks Ormsby’s fourth Asian Tour win and his first since the Hong Kong Open in 2020. Dozens of players had a chance to win the U$2 million event on the final day, but Ormsby and Chonlatit eventually pulled ahead. Korean Yeongsu Kim (66) and Micah Lauren Shin (67) from the United States tied for third place, one shot behind, while Australian Kevin Yuan (67) finished in fifth place.
Ormsby expressed disbelief at his success, saying, “I can’t believe I am here.” He recalled a difficult week in New Zealand and thanked his coach, Grant Field, for helping him prepare. Starting the day two shots behind the leaders, Ormsby quickly climbed the leaderboard, making birdies on holes two, four, five, six, and nine for a five-under-par 31. Despite dropping a shot on the 11th hole, he recovered with birdies on holes 12, 13, and 16.
Reflecting on his missed 15-foot birdie putt on the last hole, Ormsby said, “I hit a good putt, but it didn’t turn right, the grain was hard off the left. It didn’t go in; all you can do is try and hit a good putt.” He was thrilled to win an International Series event, particularly at Black Mountain, a course he loves.
Chonlatit also missed a birdie putt on the final hole, but the 24-year-old was still delighted with his performance throughout the tournament. He said, “I did my best, and I’m super happy with the result and my performance today and this week.” Chonlatit’s goal is to win an Asian Tour event after finishing second on the ADT Order of Merit last year and earning his Asian Tour card for this season. He remains confident in his ability to achieve this goal.”
Pictures courtesy of Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.