Edward Loar captures first win at Thailand Open

BY Bruce Young | Asian Tour | 2003 Thailand Open | Wrap | 06 Apr 2003

Edward Loar who has, it would seem, not lived up to his reputation as an amateur, has gone some way to changing all that with a five shot win in the Thailand Open. His recent form would not have suggested a win this week, let alone his first win in Asia or his first win as a professional. He finished in 57th place last week in India and 16th at the earlier Myanmar Open.

A Walker Cup representative in 1999, the left-handed Texan was a teammate of Charles Howell III at Oklahoma State and was an All American four times. He has played on the Asian Tour in 2001 and 2002 and his form to this point had consisted of a runner up place in last year’s Myanmar Open and a sixth place at the 2001 Thailand Masters. He was 45th on the 2002 Davidoff Tour Order of Merit in 11 events. Loar’s father, Jay is head coach of the Southern Methodist University collegiate team in the US.

Australian Jason Dawes also surprised with a form reversal to run a distant second, five strokes behind Loar, but a welcome return for the Victorian who was the Victorian Amateur Champion in 1996 and an Australian representative in the early 90’s. He gained his card for the Asian Tour in January and this finish is a great boost for his confidence so early in the season. He had a good finish at the recent Clearwater event in New Zealand finishing in 11th place, but missed the cut by seven strokes last week in India. Dawes earns $A28,000 for his efforts this week.

Australian Shannon Jones was 15th, Unho Park and Adam Groom 20th, New Zealander Richard Best, Marcus Both and Brad Kennedy 31st, Kim Felton 41st, Adam Le Vesconte 50th and David Gleeson 63rd.

The next event on the Asian Tour is the Maekyung LG Fashion Open in Seoul in early May.