Kiradech battles to opening 71 at The Players Championship
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat let slip a fast start to settle for a one-under 71 in the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on Thursday.
The big-hitting Thai hit two birdies and an eagle during his opening seven holes at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass before finding trouble on the tricky greens which left him frustrated and five shots off the lead.
“I got off to a good start, four under through seven holes and then I missed a lot of putts. Missed a par putt on 18 and then a birdie putt on the first and then par putts on the third and fourth holes which were inside of seven feet,” said Kiradech.
“It took my confidence off a bit on the back nine which I was two over on the par five holes. Opening with a one-under isn’t that bad but I feel like I left a lot of shots out there.”
Playing in his second PLAYERS Championship, which is the PGA TOUR’s flagship tournament, Kiradech rolled in an 11-footer on his second hole of the day on the 11th before making an eagle at the driveable par-4, 12th hole from seven feet following a glorious tee shot.
Another 11-foot conversion for birdie on 16 saw him lead momentarily before he boarded the bogey train, dropping four shots against another birdie. Still, his opening round’s effort was a four-stroke improvement from his previous first round in 2016 which he missed the halfway cut.
Following two top-five finishes in the World Golf Championships this year, Kiradech needs six FedExCup points to earn Special Temporary Membership on the PGA TOUR which will allow him unlimited sponsor invitations for the remainder of the season. He then needs to finish within the top-125 of the FedExCup standing to earn his card for 2018-19.
“I’m just trying to play my own game, trying to keep the ball in play. This course, the greens are really difficult as it’s small and firm. If you hit more greens, you have more opportunities,” said the former Asian Tour No. 1.
“It’s nice to finish early (for the first round). My body needs some time to rest as I’ve been travelling around. I’m a bit tired. From Tuesday till now, I don’t feel like I’ve got my A-game out there. That’s why I’m saying I left a few shots out there, like three or four strokes. I should be much better than this.”
