Super eagle lifts Kiradech into weekend of the Players Championship
Ponte Vedra Beach - Kiradech Aphibarnrat had his back against the wall at THE PLAYERS Championship on Friday.
With three holes remaining, the Thai star was one shot outside the cut mark at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, staring possibly at another weekend off in his second appearance in the PGA TOUR’s flagship tournament.
Then came the moment he had patiently waited for. With 199 yards to the pin on the par-5 risk-reward 16th hole, which has water hugging the right side of the green, the burly Thai rifled a 5-iron approach that ended three feet of the hole for an easy eagle which helped him to a second straight one-under 71.
“It was one of the best shots all day. I’ve not played good golf for two days and if you look at the stats, I think I have only like six or seven greens in regulations,” said the 28-year-old Kiradech, who stands at 2-under 142 in T55 position.
“I had 182 yards over the bunker and I’ve been hitting poor shots all day. I had nothing to lose. After eight pars and one bogey on my front nine, I knew it was a tough day and to hit the second shot on 16, it was like having my back against the wall. I knew one under total might get through and 16 was only the hole to get two strokes as 17 and 18 are difficult.”
The long-hitting Kiradech enjoyed good support during his second round with fellow Thai sisters and LPGA stars Ariya and Moriya Jatunagarn walking all 18 holes with his group. “It was lovely to have Ariya and Moriya following me. They are amongst some of the best athletes in the world and to have them following all day was a nice thing,” he said.
Entering the weekend rounds some 13 shots off the pace behind runaway leader Webb Simpson, who fired a glorious 63 to lead on 15-under 129, Kiradech hopes to get his game dialled in to move up the leaderboard.
“I can’t get my A game out. After the first five holes, I was off with my game. I knew it was going to be a tough day to stay inside the cut. I just waited for my time and I think I’ve passed the test. It’s not even my B game, it’s my C game here so far. Two more days and I have to work hard and try to get some low numbers to jump up the leaderboard,” said Kiradech.
