Poom Saksansin of Thailand put up a smashing performance in the final round of the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by Zurich golf tournament, closing the annual event with an easy five-under-par 67 to win his first Asian Tour title on Sunday.

The 23-year-old held a two-shot lead at the start of the day and stayed ahead of the chasing pack by shooting six birdies against one bogey to finish on 18-under-par 270 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club in East Jakarta.

Thai teenagers Phachara Khongwatmai (68) and Suradit Yongcharoenchai (68), both aged 17 years old, and Japanese Masahiro Kawamura (70) settled for tied second place.

Saksansin, who began the tournament with low expectations, was blown away by Sunday’s final. Knowing a list of experienced golfers were playing on the Royale Jakarta course, Saksansin admitted that his initial plan was just “keeping par in the Asian Tour”.

The Thai victor, who built the well-played final by creating a surprise lead in the third round on Saturday, showed a brilliant focus in Sunday’s bout, especially when he got trapped in a bunker on his way down to hole 13.

From the unfavorable spot, Saksansin managed to hit the ball to the edge of the green before making a direct shot to take par.

“I think I got a bit screwed up. I was nervous at that time,” said Saksansin, who earned US$135,000 in prize money.

The $750,000 four-day golf tournament was attended by several Asian stars, including Indian Anirban Lahiri, who finished 30th with a total of six-under-par 282, and Thailand favorite Thongchai Jaidee, who made 10-under (278) at the eighth.

The last day of the tournament was also made merrier by golf enthusiasts who brought their families to enjoy the games. Dozens of food carts, with their mouthwatering delicacies, were provided to cater to the spectators.

Golf enthusiast Ivan Sebayang, who went to Royale Jakarta only during the weekend plays, said he brought along his wife and daughter to spend family time at the clubhouse.

Playing the sport himself, Ivan said he also followed improvements displayed by Indonesian golfers.

“I’m impressed to see that [Indonesian golfers] have managed to make improvements here and there. The way [the organizers] held the tournament this year was much better,” he added.

Visitor Delima Lusiana, on the other hand, found the displayed dishes in the final round of the golfing tournament were more interesting to her eyes and taste buds.

“It’s like having a family picnic. I’m happy because my family could enjoy the scene,” said Delima, who came to the event along with her office colleagues.

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