Asian Tour Book 2024

of US$180,000 he said: “I’m so happy. I didn’t think I could win again, because I had a very tough year in 2019. I played really badly that year, but I told myself to not give up. That’s why I could improve my game and win again.” The Thai star felt he was trending in the right direction when he finished fourth in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters the week before. Having his girlfriend Manuschaya Zeemakorn, a Thai LPGA Tour Rattanon Wannasrichan [far left] was helped by a stunning 61 on day one, while Poosit Supupramai [left] helped make it a one, two, three finish for Thailand. player, on the bag also clearly helped. “She’s helped me a lot about life and golf. In life we stay together, we eat together, and we enjoy that life. That’s why it’s made it fun for me to play golf,” Rattanon added. The first round was clearly key for the champion. And he wielded a hot putter through the week, averaging 25.75 putts to complete his rounds on the smallish greens of Macau Golf & Country Club. Playing the tournament for the 10th time, Rattanon said of his opening round: “I was just hoping to shoot a couple under. Did not expect to go so low. But I do like this golf course. There are a lot of chances to shoot birdies.” Gunn, who had been struggling with his game, with his previous top-10 coming way back in February 2023 at the 103rd New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport, showed a welcome return to form with rounds of 65, 64 and 66 in the first three days with just one bogey to show on his cards. Despite rising to a career-best No126 in the Official World Golf Rankings, Gunn is yet to win on the elite level tours and the Macau event was another near miss. He now has four second place finishes on the Asian Tour. The 32-year-old, who came to the tournament after missed cuts in Mercuries Taiwan Masters and Yeangder TPC, seemed happy with the result. “With three par-fives on the back nine, I thought I might have a chance of catching Rattanon but it wasn’t to be. But this is great. It’s another second place and not a win. I am fine with it,” said Gunn. “I found a lot more confidence this week especially after missing the cut the last two weeks. Just tried to keep things simple and I holed some great putts.” Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena (63) celebrated his 30th birthday in style, making an eagle on the 72nd hole to catch up with the Order of Merit leader John Catlin (65) from the United States in tied fourth place at 15-under par total. Defending champion, Min Woo Lee of Australia and 151st Open champion Brian Harman of the US were also part of the quality field. Lee, who won the title on a rain- soaked course with a four-round total of 26-under par in 2023, finished tied 9th, while Harman was one shot behind at 270, tied 13th. 99 S JM MACAO OPEN MA C AU GO L F A N D CO U N T RY C L U B O C TO B E R 1 0 - 1 3 | P R I Z E MON E Y: U S $ 1 M I L L I ON