Prayad completes Royal double at King’s Cup Golf Hua Hin
Hua Hin, Thailand, January 19: Hua Hin native Prayad Marksaeng completed a sensational Royal double when posted a six-under-par 66 to win the US$1 million King’s Cup Golf Hua Hin at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
With the Queen’s Cup already in his trophy cabinet, Prayad emerged as the popular and deserving champion with a winning total of 12-under-par 276 at the majestic Black Mountain Golf Club.
Black Mountain Golf Club sponsored player Rikard Karlberg battle tooth-and-nail but had to eventually settle for second place after signing off with a 67 on his home course.
Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, also sponsored by Black Mountain, will have to wait longer for his second Asian Tour win as a final round 71 earned him equal third alongside compatriot Chapchai Nirat and India’s Anirban Lahiri.
“I’m extremely happy to win the King’s Cup because it’s a great event and also staged in my home town here in Hua Hin. This win is especially special as it’s dedicated to all the Thai people,” said Prayad, who took home the winner’s prize purse of US$180,000.
The turning point for Prayad, who will turn 48 at the end of the month, came when he sank his eagle putt from 20 feet on hole 13 which moved him to the top of the leaderboard after Karlberg bogeyed the same hole.
Prayad’s eighth win on the Asian Tour was confirmed after another birdie on the 17th hole ensured his unassailable lead.
Karlberg was still proud with his performance as it took place in front of a large Scandinavian crowd who came out in full force to support Swede, who was aiming for a first Asian Tour win since 2010.
“I’m happy with how I played today but unfortunately I made a mistake on 13. I didn’t make any putts after that. I had a lot of good chance and if I didn’t make the mistake on 13, I might have won. I felt great out there. I swing the way I wanted and hit the shot that I wanted to do,” said Karlberg.