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- Thailand claims International Crown
Thailand claims International Crown
Wyndham Clark wins Wells Fargo, Meronk victorious at Marco Simone
Jack Middlebrook
May 08, 2023
Winners Circle
Wells Fargo Championship
Italian Open
International Crown
Maekyung Open
World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup
Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open
KIA Open
PNG Open
FBC Zim Open
LPGA - International Crown
Thailand was the dominant team throughout the week at Harding Park and claimed the International Crown title. After winning all 6 four-ball matches in the Group stage, Thailand advanced past Team USA in the semifinals to face Australia in the final. All 4 Thai players played impressively in the final matches with Atthaya Thitikul and Patty Tavatanakit winning their singles matches, and the Jutanugarn sisters winning the foursomes match.
While team Australia couldnโt quite match the pace of Thai team in the finals, they did a great job in the semifinals by stopping the strong Swedish team. Sweden had won 5 of the 6 group matches along with one halve, and looked to have the momentum heading into Sunday. The Aussies won all 3 matches in the Semifinal against Sweden and all of the matches finished by the 16th hole.
Team USA won the third place match over Sweden with Kang and Korda winning 1 up in the deciding match. It was a good finish for the Americans after narrowly getting out of the Pool play and losing to Thailand in the semifinals.
Overall, the tournament was a great success and showcased a different format featuring some of the worldโs best golfers in team match play. A similar event on the Menโs side would be a welcome addition.
PGA Tour - Wells Fargo Championship
Wyndham Clark claimed his first PGA Tour victory at Quail Hollow, beating Xander Schauffele by four shots. All week Clark was at top form with all four rounds shooting 68 or better with a 3rd round 63.
The designated event victory is huge for Clark and cements his status for the next yearโs schedule. While it was his first victory, Clark has had a solid 2023 so far, making cuts in all 12 events he has played in 2023 and racking up 5 top 10s. Also, $5.5 million earned so far in 2023 alone!
The event lacked the buzz of the other designated events, in part to Clarkโs dominant play separating himself from the field, and also due to Rahm and Scheffler both skipping. It would have been hard to see anyone beating Wyndham this week but part of the allure of the designated events should be that all the best players are in the field. Without the top 2 players in the world, the Wells Fargo didnโt feel as big.
As part of The Open qualifying series, Wyndham Clark, Michael Kim, and Denny McCarthy all earned spots in the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.
DP World Tour - Italian Open
Adrian Meronk claimed the title at Marco Simone. His final round included some brilliant pitches around the green to hold on for the victory. Meronk closed out the victory by reaching the par-5 18th in two shots and finished with a great 2-putt birdie.
It was Meronkโs third European Tour title and he positions himself as a strong contender for the Ryder Cup team.
Another Ryder Cup hopeful, Nicolai Hojgaard had a strong finish with a Sunday 65 that brought him inside the Top 10.
Asian Tour - Maekyung Open
Chanmin Jung won a rain-shortened event at The Maekyung Open. Jung is nicknamed the โKorean Hulkโ and used his power to breeze to a 6-shot victory.
Minhyuk Song, a 17 year old amateur, finished in a tie for second with an impressive final round 64.
Japan LPGA - World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup
Yuri Yoshida won the first of four majors on the LPGA of Japan tour. With only three rounds in the 60s for the entire tournament, Yoshidaโs 1 over par was enough to win by 3 in difficult conditions.
Korea LPGA - Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open
Bo Kyeom Park won the shortened Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open. Park battled through the rainy conditions to post an impressive 7 under par for the tournament and her first win on the KLPGA. Her final round also included an ace on the 16th hole!