It was déjà vu in Delhi for Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum at the Hero Women’s Indian Open as the Thai star fired a sensational 65 on Sunday to win the trophy for an unprecedented fourth time.
Returning to India for the first time in 14 years, 36-year-old Phatlum went bogey-free in the final round at DLF Golf & Country Club to leapfrog home favourite Vani Kapoor and secure a four-shot victory on 11-under par.
“I’m so happy right now!” said Phatlum, who also won the trophy on the Arnold Palmer course in 2008, 2009 and 2012. “I didn’t think I was going to win again, but I tried my best. This was a fantastic round for me. Every putt on the front nine dropped in the hole. Today feels incredible.”
Teeing up in the final group with Kapoor and defending champion Shannon Tan on Sunday, and trailing the Indian by one shot, a match play situation quickly ensued between the two as both players birdied the opening par-4 – Kapoor after chipping in from the back of the green.
Kapoor birdied the second to open up a two-shot lead before Phatlum responded with a fine birdie at the third. This was followed by three more birdies at the 5th, 8th and 9th as the Sunday rivals made the turn all square.
Back-nine showdown
On to the back nine, and Kapoor squandered her lead for the first time in the final round after dropping a shot at the 10th after her tee shot took at unfortunate kick. Despite a bounce back birdie at the 11th, Kapoor handed LPGA star Phatlum the advantage again dropping shots at the 12th and 13th.
After a string of pars, birdies followed at the 15th and 16th for Phatlum as the 36-year-old drained two brilliant putts. Two pars to finish in front of the watching gallery would secure Phatlum a four-shot victory and historic fourth title at the Hero Women’s Indian Open – 18 years after her first.
“This means a lot to me,” said Phatlum, who earned her 23rd career title with the victory. “This year, I almost retired from professional golf. But winning again gives me more motivation. I feel like I can still play on tour, and I’ll try my best again next year.”
Phatlum accepted Ladies European Tour membership following the win and will now play in this week’s Wistron Ladies Open in Chinese Taipei.