Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij made birdie on three of the last four holes to snatch victory at the death in the US$125,000 Aramco Invitational today at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

Varanyu’s bogey-free seven-under-par 64 saw him finish on 16 under to win by one from overnight leader Dodge Kemmer from the United States (67) and England’s Barnes Wallis (64).

Norway’s Jarand Ekeland Arnoy (65) and Thai Suteepat Prateeptienchai (66) tied for fourth three behind the winner.

This marked Varanyu’s third victory on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) but first in four years, as both previous wins came in 2018: in the Combiphar Players Championship in Indonesia, and the Singha Laguna Phuket Open.

And with one event remaining, the Taifong Open next week, his fine performance has moved him into 11th place on the ADT Order of Merit, which gives him an outstanding chance of finishing in the top-10, something which will secure his playing privileges for the 2023 Asian Tour season.

American Dodge Kemmer.

“I am so happy, it’s been a long time since I won. It’s been over three years. I am so happy,” said Varanyu, who made birdie on 15, 17 and 18.

“I have just continued to work hard and improve and today it has paid off. I would like to thank Rolling Hills, Aramco and the Saudi Aramco Golf Association for making this all possible. I am so appreciative.”

He had started the final round two back from Kemmer and Othman Ibrahim Almulla, the popular local professional who is based here at Rolling Hills, and made a statement of intent by starting with two birdies before nobody could match his brilliant finish.

To the disappointment of the home supporters, Almulla closed with a 73 to tie for 18^th.

Suteepat, a three-time ADT winner this year, remains first on the OOM, while Kemmer’s solid week of work has moved him into ninth on the Merit list and on the brink of regaining his Asian Tour card having only just lost it by the narrowest of margins two weeks ago at the season-ending BNI Indonesian Masters presented by TNE.

He finished 71^st on the final Asian Tour Order of Merit, about US$70 short of 70^th place, held by Filipino Miguel Tabuena, which was the cut off mark.

The all important US$200,000 Taifong Open will be played at Taifong Golf Club from December 22-25.