Bangkok: Australia’s Richard Green topped the class when he defeated compatriot Todd Sinnott with a birdie at the first play-off hole to secure his playing rights at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Saturday.
Green earned his Tour card on the back of a grueling week which saw him complete with distinction at the Suvarnabhumi Golf and Country Club. The 45-year-old marked his card with a nine-under-par 63 to sign off with four-day total of 28-under-par 260 which is the third lowest ever score in the Asian Tour history for a 72-hole scoring.
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Despite being defeated in the play-off by his role model, Sinnott was delighted to post a final round 62. His closing 260 total was also the lowest score he has ever signed for in his career.
China’s Zheng Ou-yang was among the top-35 players and ties who earned playing rights on the region’s premier Tour in 2017. The Chinese posted rounds of 65, 66, 70 and 67 to finally make the grade after a previous failed attempt last year.
Sujjan Singh was India’s top performer as he finished in a share of 13th place after posting a final round 66. It was a welcome return to the Asian Tour for Singh after he lost his card in 2013.
Interesting facts of the day:
It was sweet redemption for Australia’s Richard Green after suffering the agony of losing his European Tour card last season by about US$20,000. With his playing status on the Asian Tour now secured, the smiles are also now back for Green.
Todd Sinnott used to earn his keep as a part-time ball collector at a driving range in Melbourne. He credits his humble beginning for keeping him grounded despite being billed as one of Australia’s brightest prospects today.
Four graduates – Ben Leong, Steve Lewton, Marcus Both and Arnond Vongvanij, are winners on the Asian Tour, with both winning three times and the others winning once each.
Last year’s Qualifying School winner, Yikeun Chang of Korea successfully regained his card by finishing tied-eighth with a final round of 69.
Players finishing inside the top-six at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage will tee up at the season-opener, SMBC Singapore Open next week.
