Thongchai aiming to eclipse European stars at Thailand Open in Hua Hin

The world No 39 Thai is a favourite to steal the limelight at the European-Asian Tour co-sanctioned event, having collected six European titles.

“I reckon last season was my best so far. I was very satisfied with my form. My goal is to improve this year and beat my highest ranking, of 33. Staged in Thailand, this European Tour event offers opportunities for local golfers to develop their skills and also claim points for the Race to Dubai series. I think Thais have home advantage, especially with the atmosphere and weather conditions. But it won’t be easy against a strong field of European Tour players,” said Thongchai, who was named tournament ambassador.

“I will do my best as a proud player of the host country,” added the Thai ace, who won the Sports Authority of Thailand’s 2014 Outstanding Professional Athlete award. 

Other Thai stars competing in the event are two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant, Prayad Marksaeng, Prom Meesawat, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Chapchai Nirat and rising star Thanyakorn Khrongpha.

The established international names will be joined by 14 leading local players in a battle for the trophy against European stars including 43-year-old and fan-favourites Bjorn and Spaniard Jimenez, who boast 36 European titles between them. Spearheading the charge from elsewhere in Asia is Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata.

The tournament is Thailand’s richest and marks the return of the European Tour to the Kingdom after eight years.

Tickets at Bt400 for a weekday, Bt800 for a weekend-day and Bt1,200 for all four days are available by calling (02) 262 3456 or visiting www.thaiticketmajor.com. For more tournament info visit, www.golfthailandclassic.comand/ or www.facebook.com/Thailand Classic.