NAMCHOK IMPRESSES ON ONEASIA
Thai young gun Namchok Tantipokhakul arrived at OneAsia’s Thailand Open unheralded and largely unfancied.
He left with praise ringing in his ears and clutching the biggest cheque of his career.
The 23-year-old Namchok won the Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit last year but was making his Thailand Open and OneAsia debut at Burapha Golf Club.
He was an overnight sensation on the big stage and has been tipped for greatness by several of his peers who he impressed with his assured performance in finishing joint runner-up to China’s Liang Wen-chong.
Namchok has matured quickly on the Mercedes-Benz Tour with victories in the B-ing Championship and the season-ending Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam in 2009 and a great display in this year’s Singha E-San Open where he lost a play-off to compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant, the winner of 11 titles on the Asian circuit.
But nobody predicted that he would outshine his more experienced countrymen like Thaworn, Chawalit Plaphol, Prom Meesawat and Kiradech Aphibarnrat in their home Open.
His birdie putt at the final hole which would have seen him force a play-off with former Asian number one Liang came up just a few inches short but rounds of 69-66-67-69 for a total of 17-under-par 271 earned him US$84,750.
The big-hitting Namchok, who averages 295 yards off the tee, said he had gained a lot of experience from playing on the Mercedes-Benz Tour where he is currently ranked ninth and relished the challenge of competing on OneAsia.
His power game, touch around the greens and cool temperament could take him to the very top of world golf according to Thai-based Scotsman Simon Yates, who has a good eye for talented up-and-comers.
“You know what, I played with Namchok in the Thailand Open and he is one of the best Thai players I have ever played with. Actually more than that, one of the best players I have ever played with period. I have played with a lot of good players. He is going to be a superstar. Trust me,” said Yates, himself one of the best ball strikers in Asian golf.
“He is calm, he is a lovely guy and he strikes it fantastic. He is a great driver of the ball, great iron player and great around the greens. Just needs to work a little bit on his putting.
“I have played with (three-time Asian number one) Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and (Major winner) Graeme McDowell, all those boys – none of them hit it as good as he does. He hits it long and straight and has all the shots. He will be a fantastic golfer and I hope he makes it because he is a lovely guy too.”
Australia’s Michael Wright, who finished joint-second with Namchok, was also impressed by the youngster’s play.
“To be honest, I had never heard of him before this week but he can certainly play,” said Wright. “He hits it a mile and seems to have a good all around game.”
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Thai young gun Namchok Tantipokhakul arrived at OneAsia’s Thailand Open unheralded and largely unfancied.
He left with praise ringing in his ears and clutching the biggest cheque of his career.
The 23-year-old Namchok won the Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit last year but was making his Thailand Open and OneAsia debut at Burapha Golf Club.
He was an overnight sensation on the big stage and has been tipped for greatness by several of his peers who he impressed with his assured performance in finishing joint runner-up to China’s Liang Wen-chong.
Namchok has matured quickly on the Mercedes-Benz Tour with victories in the B-ing Championship and the season-ending Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam in 2009 and a great display in this year’s Singha E-San Open where he lost a play-off to compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant, the winner of 11 titles on the Asian circuit.
But nobody predicted that he would outshine his more experienced countrymen like Thaworn, Chawalit Plaphol, Prom Meesawat and Kiradech Aphibarnrat in their home Open.
His birdie putt at the final hole which would have seen him force a play-off with former Asian number one Liang came up just a few inches short but rounds of 69-66-67-69 for a total of 17-under-par 271 earned him US$84,750.
The big-hitting Namchok, who averages 295 yards off the tee, said he had gained a lot of experience from playing on the Mercedes-Benz Tour where he is currently ranked ninth and relished the challenge of competing on OneAsia.
His power game, touch around the greens and cool temperament could take him to the very top of world golf according to Thai-based Scotsman Simon Yates, who has a good eye for talented up-and-comers.
“You know what, I played with Namchok in the Thailand Open and he is one of the best Thai players I have ever played with. Actually more than that, one of the best players I have ever played with period. I have played with a lot of good players. He is going to be a superstar. Trust me,” said Yates, himself one of the best ball strikers in Asian golf.
“He is calm, he is a lovely guy and he strikes it fantastic. He is a great driver of the ball, great iron player and great around the greens. Just needs to work a little bit on his putting.
“I have played with (three-time Asian number one) Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and (Major winner) Graeme McDowell, all those boys – none of them hit it as good as he does. He hits it long and straight and has all the shots. He will be a fantastic golfer and I hope he makes it because he is a lovely guy too.”
Australia’s Michael Wright, who finished joint-second with Namchok, was also impressed by the youngster’s play.
“To be honest, I had never heard of him before this week but he can certainly play,” said Wright. “He hits it a mile and seems to have a good all around game.”
