Thai makes solid start

 The three-time Asian Tour number one stayed well clear of the pot bunkers strewn across the links layout and snared three birdies against two bogeys to equal his start at Turnberry in 2009 when he finished in a share of 13th.

With calm conditions greeting players with early tee times, Thongchai took full advantage with birdies on the second, par-5 11th and 16th holes but dropped shots on the sixth and 17th holes.

“We got lucky with the weather,” Thongchai said. “When we first started, it was rainy in the morning but it stopped and the wind wasn’t strong. You can see it in the scores which are quite low. I’m happy.

“The course is not very long. I used the driver only twice and the main thing was my course management. Fairways, greens and putts are the key. My tee shots were good – no bunkers on the fairway and only two on the greenside.”

Thongchai, coming off a victory last month at the Wales Open, has not missed a cut in his past 10 starts in Asia and Europe. Following his victory in Wales and a memorable performance in Turnberry where he was in contention on the last day, the 42-year-old Thai standout gave himself a chance to be in the hunt for the Claret Jug on Sunday. “It’s a major and there are very strong players but I will try my best,” said Thongchai.

“First British Open, I knew the weather was important. It was killing me. It was windy, very cold and also raining. Now, I have learned how to play links course and how to use the weather. I feel confident now.”

The former paratrooper was happy to sign for his card, saying that work done with his coach on Wednesday had fixed a slight problem with his swing.

“Last week, I was quite tired and my body was moving too much,” he said. “I worked with my coach and now it has come back. Today I hit it good.”