Thorbjorn Olesen in seventh heaven in Thailand

Thorbjorn Olesen lands his seventh DP World Tour title with emphatic display at Thailand Classic.

Andy Roberts's picture
Sun, 19 Feb 2023
Thorbjorn Olesen in seventh heaven in Thailand

Thorbjørn Olesen produced a dominant display of frontrunning as he won his seventh DP World Tour title by four strokes at the Thailand Classic.

The Dane, whose last victory came at the 2022 Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett, started the final round at Amata Spring Country Club with a two-stroke lead, but quickly increased his advantage to four after birdies on his opening two holes.

He carded another birdie at the sixth hole but then had to stay patient as six consecutive pars allowed countryman Nicolai Højgaard to move to within two strokes as the 21-year-old made three birdies in a row after the turn.

But Olesen kept his nerve as he carded a hat-trick of birdies of his own from the 13th hole to move five strokes clear.

He parred his remaining three holes to sign for a bogey-free six under par 66 and a 24-under par total.

Yannik Paul recorded his best result of the 2023 Race to Dubai as he finished second on 20 under par, two strokes ahead of fellow German Alexander Knappe and Joost Luiten of the Netherlands.

Højgaard finished on 17 under par in a share of fifth with Hero Cup teammate Antoine Rozner of France and 2016 Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Olesen said: 

"(The birdies on 13 and 14) It came at the right time. I felt like I had some really good chances to make birdies and didn’t really capitalise on them.
"It’s a bonus on two tough holes to make those two birdies, it really pulled me out and made me feel more comfortable on the last few holes. It felt really good today, it felt steady, like I was in control and I just enjoyed playing golf today, which was very nice.

“(On the Ryder Cup) I’ve tried it in Paris and had that experience. You would love to come back and play more Ryder Cups. It’s going to be very difficult but this is certainly a very good start to try and get into that team.

“It’s very special. The one at the British Masters was incredible, with my family and a long time since the last one. But equally this one, all the hard work, the sacrifice for my wife. It’s really nice."

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