Unheralded Dodt Wins in Thailand


Andrew Dodt closed with a 5-under 67 to win the True Thailand Classic. The European Tour event took place at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The 29-year-old native of Brisbane, who won the Avantha Masters in 2010, earned his second career victory thanks to five birdies Sunday for a 72-hole total of 16-under 272.

Dodt finished a stroke ahead of fellow Aussie and 54-hole leader Scott Hend, who shot a 72, and local favorite Thongchai Jaidee (71). "I'm speechless - it's just come out of nowhere," he told the European Tour's website.

"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."

After his win in India, Dodt played poorly and lost his Tour card; he had to go through Q-School in November to regain his playing rights.

"To be honest, losing my card two years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me," he said. "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."

Hend, who began Sunday with a one-stroke lead over Jaidee and 51-year-old Miguel Angel Jiménez, couldn't get untracked Sunday, posting three birdies and three bogeys. His final bogey came on the 17th hole, which ruined his chances of catching Dodt, even though he birdied the last.

"I pressed for the win on 17 and got a bit aggressive with my bunker shot, and I finished one shot behind. I came here to try to win," the 41-year-old said. "I thought Dodty was going to make birdie on 18 and I was only 15-under, so I thought I had to play an aggressive bunker shot. Unfortunately, I caught it a little too clean and bogeyed the hole.

"But all in all it was a good solid week and there are a lot of positives to take out of it. It's good to see Dodty winning, fantastic. Obviously I wish it was me standing there winning, but congratulations to him - he's played well over the weekend and all credit to him.

"There are a few things that I'll sit down and discuss with my caddie, things I did incorrectly, and hopefully next time we can solidify it and walk off the last green as the champion."

Sharing fourth at 274 were Canada's Richard T. Lee (66), American Jason Knutzon (67) and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70).

Jimenez, who battled a cold all week, finished with a 73 to tie for seventh at 275 with fellow Spaniard Carlos Pigem, Sweden's Johan Carlsson and Australia's Wade Ormsby.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015010/leaderboard/index.html.