History books in the annals of Sri Lanka Golf have to record the name Nattawat Suwajanakorn as the first golfer from Thailand to win the prestigious National Title of Sri Lanka Amateur Champion which was vied for on the 127th occasion since its inauguration in 1891 on the same golf course in Nuwara Eliya.
Nattawat got off to a flying start and led 6 up against his fellow countryman Channachok after the first 18 holes in the 36 hole final. Both young boys decided that they do not want a long break and for the first time in the history of this championship teed off the second session in the morning after just a 30 minute break (which the spectators needed).
Chanachok tried to fight back valiantly and did reduce the deficit to 5 down on a couple of occasions but could not match the superior shot making of his opponent and team-mate Nattawat. Despite missing a few short putts at the 7th, 8th and 9th, Nattawat continued to maintain his overwhelming lead and finished the match 6/5, giving the organizers plenty of time to prepare of the awards ceremony and send everyone home after an early afternoon tea.
According to Sri Lanka’s K.Prabagaran who is playing in the PGTI and having won 2 titles as a professional including the Sri Lanka Open earlier this year, Nattawat had all the shots of any professional on the PGTI circuit and will definitely be a name to look out for should he choose to turn pro.
