FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Thai youngster Arnond to test new swing at Chiangmai Golf Classic

Thai youngster Arnond to test new swing at Chiangmai Golf Classic

Thailand's Arnond Vongvanij hopes to turn the corner when he tees off at the US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic tomorrow.

After uncharacteristically missing seven out of eight Asian Tour appearances, Arnond took two weeks off to fix his swing and prepare for the Asian Tour event staged at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
“I used a new driver at the start of the second half of the season and it had some issues with the face set-up. I started to compensate for it and by the time I realised what the real problem was, my swing had adjusted to the driver,” Arnond explained.
“I’ve been trying to cut the bad habit and fix my swing for the last month or so. With that two weeks break, I felt like I got the hang of what to do with it now. I’m feeling good about my game.”
Arnond will feature in the second edition of the Chiangmai Golf Classic alongside Major champions Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, Jason Dufner of the US and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
Nicknamed “Bank” because he was born the night after his mother took her final examinations for her Masters degree in financial banking, Arnond is hoping that his hard work will pay off this week.
“Mentality wise, it’s been good. I don’t usually have problems with my mental game, even if I don’t play well. I feel like I’m getting close to where I want my game to be now. I won’t be piling too much expectation on myself this week. I just want to enjoy the process and see how it goes,” said the 25-year-old.
Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka will try to banish the disappointment of losing in a play-off at the Panasonic Open India last week.
After encouraging words from his father, Nandasena, who earned fame on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, the stocky Perera hopes to continue his fine form at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, where he finished tied 20th last year.
“I spoke to my dad after every round last week and he gave me a lot of good advice. He was very happy with how I finished too. He thinks a win will come soon if I continue to play well,” said the 27-year-old.
“I wasn’t disappointed even though I missed out on my first win. My game is in good shape so I am sure the victory will come soon. I play good golf and I always believe in myself,” he added.
After recovering from a neck injury suffered in Macau last month, the lanky Steve Lewton of England is aiming to move up in the Merit rankings from 11th position.
“I haven’t really played well since winning. I missed by one in the Hong Kong Open. Hopefully I can regain my good form this week. I’m still hoping to finish in the top 10 on the Order of Merit. That was another target of mine, apart from winning an Asian Tour event which I’ve already accomplished [in Taiwan in October],” said Lewton.
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