Table of Contents
Ayutthaya’s Thanaphon Charoensuk, 22, and Bangkok’s Kamalas Na Muangrak, 33, are locked in a tight battle for the lead after the first round of the Thailand PGA Tour’s Lion-ST BG Match Play Championship. Both golfers carded notable 9-under-par 63s at the Water Mill Golf Club and Resort in Nakhon Nayok on June 11, 2025. The tournament boasts a purse of 3 million baht.
The Professional Golf Association of Thailand is hosting the Lion-ST BG Match Play Championship,supported by Singha Corporation,the Sports Authority of Thailand,the National Sports advancement Fund,BG Sports,Lion drinking water,and Leborn. The event runs from June 11-15, 2025, at the Water Mill Golf Court and Resort, a 7,161-yard, par-72 course.
The first two days of the Sing-STBG Match Play Championship feature 36 holes of stroke play to determine the top 32 golfers who will advance to the match play rounds. On June 13, the Round of 32 will take place in the morning, followed by the Round of 16 in the afternoon. The quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for June 14, with the final round and third-place match concluding the tournament on June 15. The champion will walk away with a hefty 360,000 baht prize.
Thanaphon Charoensuk, already a Thailand PGA Tour champion from his victory at Sing Park Khon Kaen in September, started strong with an eagle and seven birdies, maintaining a clean scorecard with no bogeys. This stellar performance put him in a tie for the lead with veteran Kamalas Na Muangrak.
Charoensuk expressed his satisfaction with his game: The game is smooth. I’m hitting the ball well. My driving wasn’t perfect, but it was a good day. My first goal is to make it to the top 32. This will be my first time playing match play, and I want to go deep in the bracket to train my mental game. In match play, you have to fight mentally, no matter how your shots are.
Na Muangrak, equally pleased with his performance, stated, Today, I kept hitting fairways. I wasn’t overthinking anything. I just focused on getting to the match play round. My putting was excellent today. I have some match play experience from playing on the national team a few times. I’m going to stick to my game plan and not worry about my opponent. I’ll just focus on my own game.
kittiphong Paitoon Chareonsuk trails the leaders by one stroke, carding an 8-under-par 64. The 24-year-old from phuket commented,My game was good today. Now,I need to make it into the top 32. My strategy probably won’t change much. I’ll play like it’s stroke play, but I’ll also pay attention to my competitors. I’ll try to go as deep as possible. I’m already proud of my performance.
A group of six golfers are tied at 7-under-par 65, including Siriphaya, New port Lalapirojkit, Ariyachat Wakin, Thapong Chutimaporn, Phutsapasaphak, and amateur Atisaphan. Tirawat Kaewlisit, Wanchai Luang Nikul, and Kosukhumato are one stroke further back at 6-under-par 66.
Key Performance Data: Round 1 Leaders
To provide a clearer picture of the competition’s intensity, here’s a breakdown of key statistics from the first round:
| Player | Score | Under Par | Birdies | Bogeys | Eagles | Driving Distance (avg.) |
| —————— | —– | ——— | ——- | —— | —— | ————————- |
| Thanaphon Charoensuk | 63 | -9 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 285 yards |
| Kamalas Na muangrak | 63 | -9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 290 yards |
| Kittiphong Paitoon | 64 | -8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 280 yards |
| Siriphaya | 65 | -7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 278 yards |
Table Notes: Driving distance figures represent averages and are approximate.
This table highlights the consistency of Charoensuk and Na Muangrak, with Charoensuk’s eagle setting him apart and Na Muangrak’s superior driving distance. Kittiphong Paitoon Chareonsuk demonstrates strong play with his impressive birdie count, showcasing the depth of talent in the field.
Tournament Insights and What’s Next
The Lion-ST BG match Play Championship is shaping up to be a gripping contest, with the match play format adding a layer of intrigue. The shift from stroke play to head-to-head competition demands more strategic thinking and mental fortitude from the players. As the tournament progresses, the ability to handle pressure and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial. The tournament’s organizers and sponsors aim to increase Golf’s popularity and provide new opportunities for Thai players.
The performance of both Thanaphon Charoensuk, with his previous victory under his belt, and the experienced Kamalas Na Muangrak will be under close observation. The upcoming rounds will test their abilities and provide a challenge to maintain their high scores under the pressures of a match play format.
lion-ST BG Match Play Championship: frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To address common questions and provide clarity,here’s a frequently asked questions section:
Q: What is the format of the Lion-ST BG Match Play Championship?
A: The tournament combines stroke play and match play. The first two days feature 36 holes of stroke play to determine the top 32 players. These top 32 then compete in match play rounds, where players go head-to-head to advance.
Q: What is the prize money for the champion?
A: The champion of the Lion-ST BG Match Play Championship will receive 360,000 baht.
Q: Where is the tournament being held?
A: The tournament is taking place at the Water Mill Golf Club and resort in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.
Q: Who are the key players to watch?
A: Thanaphon Charoensuk and Kamalas Na Muangrak, currently tied for the lead, are players to watch. Also, Kittiphong Paitoon Chareonsuk, and the players tied at 7-under-par deserve attention.
Q: Who sponsors the tournament?
A: The tournament is supported by the Professional Golf Association of Thailand with sponsorship from Singha Corporation, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National sports Advancement Fund, BG Sports,Lion drinking water, and Leborn.
Q: What are the dates of the tournament?
A: The tournament runs from June 11 to June 15, 2025.
Q: How does match play differ from stroke play?
A: In stroke play, golfers compete to achieve the lowest total score over the rounds. In match play, golfers compete against each othre in head-to-head matches, with the winner being the player who wins the most individual holes.
Q: What is the course like?
A: The Water mill Golf Club and Resort is a 7,161-yard, par-72 course.
Q: Where can I find live updates?
A: Check Thailand PGA Tour’s official website and social media channels for live scoring and updates.
:watermark(https://f.pmo.ee//logos/4132/d583334e07b643b158b745b655f05032.png,-2p,-2p,0,18,none):format(webp)/nginx/o/2024/01/11/15824058t1h82fb.jpg)
