FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Danthai stays positive despite disappointing start at The Open

Danthai stays positive despite disappointing start at The Open

Carnoustie - A nervous Danthai Boonma of Thailand kept his chin up after signing for an opening seven-over-par 78 in his debut appearance at The 147th Open at Carnoustie on Thursday.

After a disappointing start, the 22-year-old Thai admits he must learn from his mistakes and regroup.

“I feel like I hit the ball pretty good and my putting wasn’t that bad but the score wasn’t what I expected. I had a disappointing finish today, dropping five shots in my last four holes. I got into trouble on the 16th, hitting my tee shot into the bunker and then lost my momentum there.

“I know it wasn’t going to be easy as it’s my first time playing in a Major championship. It was still a very good experience. I am still very excited and a little bit nervous. I got to play along former Open winner Mark (Cakcavecchia) so that was good too,” said Danthai.

Danthai was disappointed not to take advantage of the sun-baked day at the Carnoustie Golf Links and will look to bounce back after receiving support from his family and friends in Thailand.

“I will stick to the same game plan tomorrow and just have fun out there. I just want to enjoy the game and gain more experience out there. It wasn’t that windy actually. The weather and the playing conditions were pretty nice today. It’s a shame I didn’t take advantage of it.

“My good friends Natipong (Srithong) and Thitiphun (Chuayprakong) are all supporting me from back home and I really appreciate that. I will aim to do my best again tomorrow and we will see how it goes,” added the smiley Thai.

Japan’s Yuta Ikeda signed for a commendable 70 while South African Shaun Norris, who played alongside Danthai, returned with a 74.

Danthai, a one-time Asian Tour winner, earned a coveted spot in golf’s oldest Major championship after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.

He is representing Thailand alongside fellow debutant Jazz Janewattananond and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, highest-ranked Asian Tour member in 30th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

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