Former LPGA member Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong leads after day 1 in the “SAT-TWT Open” Road to World Ranking of 2.5 million Baht.
Former LPGA member Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong had a great start in the second circuit of the “SAT-TWT Open” Road to World Ranking worth 2.5 million Bt on Wednesday after a flawless round of 66 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Chonburi .
The 24-year-old player, whose best LPGA result was seventh place at the 2018 Kingsmill Championship, produced four birdies plus an eagle on the ninth hole, becoming the first round leader on the par 72 6,328 yard layout.
“I didn’t use my driver today, but I was pretty good with my 3-iron on the tees,” said Sherman, who won a local Hua Hin tournament in late September. “However, I was still not happy with my game as there were some unpredictable shots that I had to correct. I have to work on my drive and fix something on my swing, ”added the player from Bueng Kan Province.
Up-and-coming teenage star from Chiang Mai Chanettee Wannasaen finished second in Round 1 with a setback.
Despite her good start, Sherman didn’t want to aim too high this week as she prefers to do one lap at a time.
“My goal at every tournament is to stay focused and stick to my routine. I’m usually not looking for a specific position in a tournament. I prefer to focus on producing high proof hits, ”added Sherman, who has been with Phoenix Gold for seven years.
The up-and-coming Chanettee Wannasaen followed one stroke behind after the 18-year-old fired seven birdies (holes 2-4, 9, 12, 14 and 16) against two bogeys (holes 5 and 13).
“It was a good lap based on the way I putt. In fact, I got off to a bad start at this tournament. I’m happy to get my swing back even though I should have got a lower score, ”said the Chiang Mai teenage star, who finished second in the last TWT event at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club in Petchaburi two months ago.
The ardent Arpichaya Yubol carded seven birdies against three bogeys for an opening 68 and took the only third place.
“Scoring five under par isn’t that bad. I hope to do more putts in the next two days, ”added Chanettee, who won the LPGA Thailand qualifying event earlier this year.
The ardent Arpichaya Yubol, who has won three titles this season (two local tours and a mixed event in Thailand), carded seven birdies against three bogeys for an opening 68 and finished in only third place.
The second station of the SAT-TWT Open with a total prize money of 2.5 million baht takes place under strict provincial and government protocols against Covid-19, which must be respected by players, guests and tournament officials. Players and officials must submit negative swap test or ATK results within 72 hours of the day of registration in order to enter the competition. In addition, players and their company must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with two doses.
The SAT-TWT Open is a stroke game with 54 holes (18 per round). An approximate number of 114 players will compete on 36 holes, with the best 60 going into the finals. The winner will be rewarded with a handsome check for 367,500 Baht.
The SAT-TWT Open is supported by the Thai Sports Authority, National Sports Development Fund, SCB Bank, P. Overseas Steel Public Company Limited, and Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. Fans can follow updates from the tournament on the THAI WPGA Facebook page or at www.thaiwpga.com
