Danthai Wants to Rise At Phoenix Gold

The rising star, who celebrated his Thailand PGA Tour win at the Kabin Buri Sports Club in Prachinburi earlier this month, his first title of the season, said short game would play a big role in deciding the outcome at the par70, 6,698 yard layout.

“After the practice round on Monday, I learned that this is not a very long course. It does not have punishing roughs. But the green speed is a bit fast,” said the 20-year-old Danthai, a one-time Asian Tour winner with the Singapore World Classic Championship at Laguna National last November in his bag.

“My game plan will be to focus on the approach shot and putt well. The guys, who hit the short irons on the green and putt well, can win this week. I think the majority of scores will be very low,” added the golfer from Sukhothai, who is confident with his short game and driver.

In fact, the former SEA Games gold medallist turned professional at the tournament when it was last held in Khon Kaen in late 2014. He signed off with a tied fourth position in that edition, which was won by two-time Asian Tour No 1 Thaworn Wiratchant.

“I have a very good memory of this event as it was my first tournament as a pro and I finished fourth. I would love to win this event but they are many European players who hit long and are favourites to win.”

Except for the inaugural edition in 2009, which was won by Taiwan’s Chan Yihshin, the King’s Cup title has been falling in the hands of Thais, Udorn Duangdecha in 2010, Arnond Vongvanich in 2012, Prayad Marksaeng in 2013 and Thaworn in 2014. There was no competition in 2011 and 2015.

The 27-year-old Arnond Vongvanij is also hoping to repeat his 2012 success where he lifted his maiden Asian Tour title at the King’s Cup. He fended off challenges from the region’s heavyweights including Singapore’s Mardan Mamat and Thaworn to claim his breakthrough title during his rookie season on the Asian Tour that year.

“I’m very excited about this week. I’ve been working a lot on my swing changes and it’s finally coming along nicely. I am doing much better physically, no more injuries. So this is the perfect opportunity for me to test it out and see where my hard work gets me,” said Arnond.

Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa and threetime European Tour winner Johan Edfords of Sweden are among the top foreign contenders who will try to end the Thai domination.

“Life has changed tremendously since 2004 when I first came here. It has been a tough run but I feel like I’m fit and ready to go,” said Immelman.

Immelman reached his highest ever ranking of 12th on the official world golf rankings in 2007 and won the Masters tournament in 2008 before being dogged by injuries and health scares throughout his career. A left wrist injury affected the 36-year-old’s form, leaving him searching for his first professional since 2013 where he won on the Web.com Tour.

 “Obviously I haven’t been playing to the standard that I would like. Not through the lack of effort as I’ve been working very hard. I would like to improve and give myself chances to win tournaments. So hopefully this can be the week I can put things together and come up with some good scores,” said Immelman.

Edfors is also seeking to return to the winner’s circle after staying injuryfree since the start of the year.

The Swede’s last victory came in 2014 on the European Challenge Tour but is confident of posting a strong result with his current form.

“I haven’t played many tournaments this year but the game is starting to come around so I’m hoping for a fresh start this week.

“The competition will be tough but I know if I play my best, I’ll be up there,” said the two-time Asian Tour winner.