Thongchai heads to Chiang Mai with Masters on his mind
Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is seeking divine intervention as he chases a victory at the inaugural US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic that would secure him a return to the Masters next month.
Currently ranked world No 59, the three-time Asian Tour No 1 needs nothing less than a win at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai this week to break into the top-50 which is the final cut-off to earn a place in the year’s first Major.
The 13-time winner visited one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples yesterday morning – Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – ahead of teeing off in the tournament tomorrow. He is praying for a strong showing against a stellar field which includes Major champions Ernie Els, Michael Campbell, YE Yang and the in-form Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who won in Malaysia on Sunday.
“It’s my dream and if I win, then I will qualify. I will try my best. I want to play well this week, there’s a good chance. If not, then no problem,” he said.
A start-stop week at the Maybank Malaysian Open due to weather disruptions saw Thongchai finish tied 33rd.
“Last week, it was hard because of the weather. You start and stop, hang around the clubhouse and you can’t get any momentum going. If you are playing well, the stops make it difficult to keep your mental focus,” said Thongchai.
“I hit some balls at the range today and yesterday, the feeling is there. Last week was tough as the course was not easy. If you hit good shots, sometimes, the fairway is not flat and you have a tough angle.”
Chiang Mai evokes fond memories for Thongchai as he was part of the Thai amateur team that won the 1995 Southeast Asian Games team gold medal here.
He also lauded the launch of the Asian Tour’s newest tournament in the northern city. “This is the first Asian Tour tournament in Chiang Mai and I’m very proud of it. A lot of Thai people are very excited to see a new tournament here. I played here in the 1995 SEA Games and although the course has now changed, it is fantastic and in very good condition.”
The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT is primed to promote the city as a top golfing and tourist destination through the four days of live broadcasts on the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
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