Thailand Classic – The debrief

The second of three consecutive stops in Asia saw a fine frontrunning performance while tributes were paid to one of the most respected rules officials in the history of golf. Here is everything you need to know from the Thailand Classic.

Olesen in seventh heaven

It proved to be a memorable first appearance in Thailand for Thorbjørn Olesen as he claimed his seventh DP World Tour title with a brilliant four-shot victory at Amata Spring Country Club. The Dane extended his overnight two-shot lead with birdies at three of the opening six holes in the final round. Countryman and playing partner Nicolai Højgaard closed the gap to two, before Olesen seized full control of the tournament with a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th. The 33-year-old cruised home from there as a bogey-free 66 saw him finish at 24 under par, the low winning total so far this season. He has now converted a 54-hole lead into victory on six occasions. Victory sees him climb to fifth on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and return to the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking. Olesen is hopeful his success can spur him on to make this year’s Ryder Cup team for a second time, having previously played in the  winning 2018 side. "It's always a goal, when you’ve tried it once you want to go back," said Olesen. "I know I was a long way behind, but this is a really good start to the year. It’s time to keep going and see if we can get in that team.”

Hundebøll’s amazing car-winning ace

Oliver Hundebøll won a BMW iX xDrive40 with a hole-in-one at the par-three 13th during Sunday’s final round. The 2022 Challenge Tour Graduate holed his tee-shot from 200 yards with a five iron as a closing five under par 67 lifted the Dane into a share of 33rd at nine under. The rookie admitted he wasn’t pleased with the strike as he became the tenth player to record an ace so far this season. "It was actually a bad hit but it landed just on the left slope and then kept rolling down to the hole and we went crazy here,” he said. "Definitely a good way to finish this tournament."

John Paramor fondly remembered

On Friday afternoon, it was announced that John Paramor, the highly respected former referee, had died aged 67. Players from both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR were among the figures from the game to offer their tributes. Fifteen-time major winner Tiger Woods called Paramor "one of the all-time best rules officials". Reigning DP World Tour Number One Rory McIlroy said: “Even before I came on Tour John was a beloved character within the game of golf. I got to know him quite well over the past few years and, it’s really sad. He was always a friendly face to see out on Tour, and I always loved my conversations with him.” Paramor retired from his role as DP World Tour Chief Referee at the 2020 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. A minute's silence was held in his honour at Amata Spring during the third round on Saturday, while players from both Tours were invited to wear black ribbons as a mark of respect.

Jaidee vows to support home event for as long possible

For Thongchai Jaidee, among several Thai players in the field, the Tour’s return to his homeland after a seven-year wait was particularly meaningful. The 53-year-old is an eight-time DP World Tour winner, having made history as the first player from his country to win on Tour at the Malaysian Open in 2004. Jaidee – who now mainly plays on the PGA TOUR Champions - welcomed Tour staff to his homeland by taking them out for dinner earlier in the week, and he vowed to support the Thailand Classic for as long as possible. "I would like to say thank you to the DP World Tour for having this tournament in Thailand,” he said. "I'm very happy to be at a tournament out here. I would like to support a tournament here in Thailand.”

The floating par three 17th island green proves a hit with players

Players will certainly leave Thailand with a lasting memory of taking on the spectacular 17th, Asia’s only floating island green. Indisputably one of the most extraordinary holes in golf, access to the green is only possible by boat. The par three is 40 yards wide and 40 yards long and can be lengthened or shortened using underwater pulleys. Joost Luiten, who finished the week in a tie for third, was one of many in the field to sing the praises of the signature hole. Speaking during the first round, the Dutchman said: “The green looks really tiny from back on the tee, especially when it is into the wind,” he said. “You have just got to stand up and hit a [good] shot.” The six-time Tour winner preceded to make a birdie, a feat he emulated in the final round.