The 19-year-old denied Thai Natthakritta Vongtaveelap a wire-to-wire win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club with a closing 68 for a one stroke victory.

A final round 72 left Vongtaveelap in a three-way tie for second with Thai compatriot Kan Bunnabodee (66) and Australia’s Kelsey Bennett (68).

Hashimoto carded four successive rounds of 68 on The National layout to finish on a 16-under-par total of 272. The life-changing win saw her secure invites to two major championships – next year’s AIG Women’s Open and the Amundi Evian Championship – as well as starts in the Hana Financial Group Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“I have always seen these tournaments on the television. To be able to play in them is like a dream come true for me,’ said Hashimoto who is set to soar from her position of 121 in the world amateur rankings.

“I am unable to say any words right now. I feel so happy to win this championship. I would like to say a big thank you to my teammates and everyone who supported me all week.”

A hole-out eagle on the Abu Dhabi G.C.s 3rd hole sparked Hashimoto’s final round push and continued a memorable year for Japanese golf after Tsubasa Kajitani and Hideki Matsuyama were winners in back-to-back weeks at the  Augusta National Women’s Amateur and The Masters in April.

“The eagle on the third hole was a big surprise for me. I kept fighting hard after that until I made the winning putt. I played really well today.”

After leading for the first 54-holes, Vongtaveelap was understandably frustrated.

“I’m a little disappointed but I did my best. I am so pleased that I was invited to play in this tournament. This has been a new experience and I won’t forget it,” said Vongtaveelap.

“I have learned a lot. I have never played in a championship of this stature before and I have never been this nervous. I will keep improving my mindset and my skills.”

UAE-based Natalii Gupta, a nominated player of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the only local player to make the cut, rounded off an excellent week with a two-under 70 to finish on -6 six in a tie for 13th.

“I had a blast this week. I’m thankful to be here, thankful to be given the opportunity to play this week,” said the 17-year-old.

The post Mizuki Hashimoto makes it an Asia-Pacific double for Japan appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
If any further evidence was required that Natthakritta Vongtaveelap will have to be well beaten for the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) title rather than backing up to her nearest rivals, the closing holes of Friday’s third round were conclusive.

The Thai teen was caught atop the leaderboard at Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Mizuki Hashimoto (68) when the Japanese player holed a 30-feet birdie putt on the 16th hole. Undaunted, Vongtaveelap sensationally finished her round birdie-eagle to sign for a five-under 67 and progress to -15 for the championship.

The 19-year-old will thus take a three-stroke buffer over Hashimoto into Saturday’s final round with Australia’s Kelsey Bennett still within striking distance at -11.

“I am so happy and excited about the finish. It was perfect,” said Vongtaveelap who, remarkably, has 19 wins and eight runner-up finishes in Thai events.

“The last seven shots were exactly how I wanted to hit them.”

If Vongtaveela can go wire-to-wire in the UAE capital, the rewards are potentially life-changing; starts in next year’s AIG Women’s Open and The Amundi Evian Championship, as well as invites to the Hana Financial Group Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“I’ve come here thinking I want to win the championship. So this is a good way to go into the final round. But I know I need to play well as there are many good players in the field.”

Among those is Indian teen Natalii Gupta who moved up to T-16 at four-under-par 212 following a three-under 69. The 17-year-old Dubai-based player, representing the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) this week, closed out with three straight birdies for a second straight 69.

Natalii Gupta in action during the third round of the WAAP at Abu Dhabi G.C.

“It’s pretty cool. I’ve never had people watch me before and for them to be supporting me this week, it’s just wonderful.

“I could have started better, but it was a good finish. I got to make some birdies towards the end. I was struggling with the putter a bit on the front. Then I just trusted my stroke towards the end and that got me going.”

The WAAP was developed by The R&A and Asia Pacific Golf Confederation to unearth emerging talent and provide a pathway for Asia’s elite women amateurs to the international stage.

The post With a birdie-eagle third round finish at Abu Dhabi G.C., Thai teen eyes wire-to-wire WAAP win appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.