Thapa, who was playing on his home course, maintained the three-stroke lead over Royal Nepal Golf Club (RNGC) pro Shiva Ram Shrestha after the completion of the third and final round.
Thapa, who shot six-under 66 on day I and even-par 72 on day II, lost his rhythm on the final day and completed the final round on three-over 75. However, his unexpected performance in the first round helped him clinch his maiden title.
Thapa shot bogeys on the first, eighth and ninth holes and birdie on the fifth hole to complete the front nine on two-over 38. He shot another bogey on the tenth hole and finished the back nine on one-over 37.
“I´d sensed victory as I played my career best golf on the first day,” said Thapa. “I was horrible on the green today (Wednesday). I missed several birdies. It was a pressure situation to play against the Nepal No 1,” he added.
Thapa, 30, has been playing professional golf since 2008. Thapa, who was also a second dan Kyokushin karate player, has been working as a club pro lately. “I´ve been training for two months extensively and I achieved this result,” said Thapa. “I´ll train more in days to come,” he added.
Nepal No 1 Shrestha, who had played two-over 74 on day I and even-par 72 on day II, produced a thrilling performance in the final round but could not stop Thapa from winning the title. Shrestha completed the final round on one-under 71 on Wednesday. He took a turn with two-under 34 but shot one-over 37 on the back nine.
“Thapa did exceptionally well in the first round, where I was playing two-over. You can´t imagine cutting down an eight-stroke lead on the final day,” said Shrestha. “My target was only second position after the completion of the second round,” he added.
Shrestha, who used to play with Taylormade golf clubs, switched to the Titleist brand recently. “I was a bit uncomfortable in the beginning of the tournament as I was using new clubs for the first time in the competitive events,” said Shrestha.
Veteran pro Deepak Thapa Magar finished the tournament in the third position with a total of three-over 219. Umesh Nagarkoti, who produced the best card of the day with two-under 70 on Wednesday, finished fourth with a total of four-over 220. Rajan Thapa completed the tournament with seven-over 223 in the fifth position.
Pushkar Rajbahak won the amateur trophy as he completed the tournament on 18-over 234 while Dinesh Prajapati finished runner-up of the section with 24-over 240.
Winner Dhana Thapa received Rs 60,000 while runner-up Shrestha bagged Rs 40,000.
Army Club´s Chief Marshal Ghanashyam Thapa, Brand Manager of Surya Nepal Ishwar Gautam and Nepal Professional Golfers´ Association (NPGA) President Rabindra Man Shrestha gave away the awards to the winners.
“As organizers, we are happy to see a new winner,” said NPGA President Shrestha. “A group of 3-4 players always used to finish on top in our tour events but this time Dhana (Thapa) emerged as the winner,” he added.
At the awards ceremony, Ishwar Gautam of Surya Nepal said they will continue their assistance in the development of the sport in future as well.
Altogether 44 golfers, including 20 amateurs, had taken part in the 54-hole tournament.
Related story
Shivaram wins second title under golf tour
