European Tour Member Chapchai Nirat of Thailand claimed a two shot victory at the inaugural Hana Bank Vietnam Masters after a blistering finish at Hanoi Phoenix Golf Resort helped him to the US$79,250 top prize.
Nirat fired a closing five under par 67 that included three birdies over his last four holes and to finish two strokes ahead of Simon Griffiths of England and compatriot Chawalit Plaphol and claim his second Asian Tour title of the year.
After signing for his 12 under par 276 winning total, Nirat dedicated his victory to Supphaphorn Maphungphong, the man regarded as the godfather of Thai golf who passed away in Bangkok on Saturday aged 62.
“A lot of the Thai golfers are sponsored by Singha, thanks to the efforts of Supphaphorn He’s like a godfather to all of us, so I would like to dedicate this win to him,” said Nirat.
Ryder Cup player Paul McGinley of Ireland endured a disappointing finish which caused him to fall out of contention, finishing the week in a tie for fifth place on 281.
“I got a little bit impatient at the end. I didn’t putt very well. I took on some pins out there and I tried to force the error because I didn’t feel like I was going to make those putts,” said McGinley.
