Thongchai Jaidee became the first Thai golfer to win at the PGA Tour Champions on Sunday in the United States.
The 52-year-old golfer, who was a paratrooper in the Royal Thai Army, closed the tournament by scoring a par on the 18th hole at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin.
The win, which ended with Thongchai scoring 4-under 68, helped him recover from a bogey on the par-5 16th course and a par-3 on the 17th. Tom Pernice Jr. came in second at 66 strokes.
“I would like to say thank you to my family, my sponsors, and the people’s support in Thailand,” Thongchai said after receiving the trophy. “I’ve enjoyed playing here, and hope to come back next year.”
Thongchai, who went pro at 30, plays on the Asian and European Tours. For the Asian Tour, he holds the record for the most career earnings and is second in victories with 13 wins.
He was also the first Thai golfer to play at the 2015 Presidents Cup held in Soouth Korea, the first time it was hosted in Asia.
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