Kiradech to cut down on competitions next year
Thai No 2 Kiradech Aphibarnrat said he will shorten his competition schedule next year to stay healthy following an injury plagued 2016 season.
The former world No 37 bemoaned that a tight schedule this year wore him down physically, which resulted in poor results and only four top 10 finishes (BMW International Open, Olympics, Arnold Palmer Invitational and the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation on Sunday).
He also failed to maintain his status on the PGA Tour next season. “I have played too many tournaments and felt exhausted. I will be more selective about my programme next year, which will be mainly in Europe,” said Kiradech, who dropped to No 80 in the world this week.
Kiradech, who left Thailand on Monday to participate in Hong Kong, admitted that he has no great expectation from the tournament. “As you could see I didn’t have enough left in my tank to shoot good scores during the last two rounds in Hua Hin. I’m really tired and don’t know what to expect in Hong Kong,” he said.
The three-time European Tour champion will also start working with professional coach Pete Cown, whose previous clients include Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen. “For the first time, I will have a foreign coach to work with. This is a big change for me and I hope good things are coming,” said the 27yearold Kiradech.
Meanwhile, inspired by his idols Thongchai Jaidee and Boonchu Ruangkit, Kiradech will have his own tournament between December 27-28 at the Black Mountain, which will be competed in Ryder Cup format.
Kiradech and fellow player Pavit Tangkamolprasert each will lead a team of 10 players (each team consisting eight pros and two amateurs). The first day is for four ball and foursome competition while the second day is for singles game.
“Thailand doesn’t have match play or team event. So this tournament should be fun for the fans. I plan to make it an annual event. There will be more details later,” he said.
