It’s high 5 for Prayad after play-off win
Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng came back from three shots down to win his fifth Japan Senior Tour title of the year in a play-off at the ¥72 million Fancl Classic in Shizuoka yesterday.
The 52-year-old, playing in his sixth event on the tour this year, defeated American Gregory Meyer with a birdie on the third play-off hole after they were tied at 13-under in 54-hole regulation play at the par-72 Susono Country Club.
“I was quite confident heading into the play-off because Meyer is not a bit hitter,” said Prayad after claiming his 12th title on the Japan Senior Tour.
“I think I have a better chance in the play-off because I hit long and my driver shot is straight.”
The play-off was at the par-five 18th hole where Prayad eagled and birdied in the first and second round respectively.
In the final round, Prayad, who started the day three shots off the pace, fired a seven-under-par 65 with nine birdies and a double bogey on 14 while overnight leader Meyer had a 66 from six birdies and two bogeys.
With a winner’s cheque of ¥15 million (approximately 4.5 million baht), Prayad has now boosted his total earning to ¥63,125,000 (19 million baht) while second-placed Meyer is on ¥20,904,968 (6,275,553 baht).
There are eight events remaining on the Japan Senior Tour this year and Prayad is planning to enter the final qualifying stage
of the PGA Tour Champions in November.
However this week, Prayad will play at the RIZAP KBC Augusta on the main Japan Tour in Fukuoka, the tour he won on six occasions.
His compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant (70) finished tied for 16th on 211.