Andrew Dodt wins True Thailand Classic

Andrew Dodt completed a surprise one-stroke victory over fellow Australian Scott Hend and home player Thongchai Jaidee in the True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain.

Andrew Dodt completed a surprise one-stroke victory over fellow Australian Scott Hend and home player Thongchai Jaidee in the True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain.

Dodt won on the European Tour in India back in 2010, but had not recorded a top-10 finish on the circuit since then. He came through qualifying school last November to regain his playing rights.

“I’m speechless – it’s just come out of nowhere,” said Dodt. “I played really well yesterday and today but I just didn’t think I’d come out on top. I knew I was playing well, but to come out and win is just a dream come true… To be honest, losing my card two years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. I went home last year, spent 12 months at home, played the Asian Tour again, found myself again, found my game and to be in the winner’s circle again – it’s unbelievable.”

Dodt began the final round four shots behind another Australian, Scott Hend. But the overnight leader stumbled on the final day. After a strong start, with birdies at the 2nd and 4th holes, Hend struggled and wasn’t able to find another birdie until the 72nd hole. It was too late by then and he ended the week tied runner-up with home favourite Thongchai Jaidee.

The Thai golfer played a scrappy back nine that included three birdies but also a double bogey between the 10th and the 15th. Despite the errors, the 45-year-old was level with Dodt with three to play. But Jaidee three-putted the 16th for a bogey that would prove decisive. He finished one shot back of Dodt’s 16-under-par total.

Richard Lee of Canada played an excellent final round of 66 to finish tied 4th with Jason Knutzon of the USA and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand.

Veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez carded a disappointing final round of 73 to end the week in a tie for 7th place.

True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain Black Mountain GC, Hua Hin, Thailand Feb 12-15, purse: €1,750,000, par: 72

1    Andrew Dodt (Aus)    71    67    67    67    272    €289,862 T2    Thongchai Jaidee (Tha)    69    66    67    71    273    €151,057 T2    Scott Hend (Aus)        67    68    66    72    273    €151,057 T4    Richard Lee (Can)        68    67    73    66    274    €73,858 T4    Jason Knutzon (USA)    72    66    69    67    274    €73,858 T4    Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) 67 67    70    70    274    €73,858 T7    Carlos Pigem (Esp)    65    72    72    66    275    €42,349 T7    Johan Carlsson (Swe)    69    67    70    69    275    €42,349 T7    Wade Ormsby (Aus)    72    65    68    70    275    €42,349 T7    Miguel Angel Jimenez (Esp) 67 66    69    73    275    €42,349

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage