Prom's victory completed a remarkable, and sometimes, difficult journey for one of Thailand's most gifted golfers. Growing up in the coastal resort town of Hua Hin, Prom found golfing inspiration at home.

His father, Suthep, was the first local player to win the Thailand Open in 1991 and Prom naturally followed in his footsteps.

It seemed preordained that Prom - nicknamed the 'Blue Dolphin' because of physique and his coastal origins - would enjoy a stellar amateur career, and he did just that, highlighted by victories in the World Junior Amateur Championship in San Diego in 1997 and 2002.

He also gives credit to Fijian star Vijay Singh for suggesting the Thai youngster would be better to turn professional rather than pursuing an amateur career in the United States.

After earning his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School in 2004, Prom grew in strength and stature, initially keeping his playing rights by making 13 cuts from 19 starts in his rookie season and then posting five top-10s last year to finish a commendable 15th on the Order of Merit.

Then, he said he was just 'a few putts away from winning'.

Prom, a devout Buddhist, believes the power of the mind prevails over physical strength, and he demonstrated that on Sunday.

With 16-year-old Wie hogging the spotlight, Prom went about his business with little pressure. 'It was good playing in my group as there was no pressure with all the attention on Michelle's group. There was not too much noise when I played. I just played my own game,' he said.