FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Rattanon seeks happy memories at Fiji International

Rattanon seeks happy memories at Fiji International

Thai hotshot Rattanon Wannasrichan is ready for a memorable debut at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways when the Fijian showpiece takes centre stage in the South Pacific next month.

The 23-year-old won his first Asian Tour title at his national open last year and is hopeful of repeating that winning form at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course where the Fiji International is being held and tri-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour again.

While he is under no illusions of the stiff challenges including the course conditions that lie ahead, the Thai, who was among nine players who won their first Asian Tour titles in 2017, is optimistic of rising to the occasion.

“I’m in good form and I’m enjoying my golf. I believe I can do well. I expect it to be very windy as we are playing near the ocean and I’ll have to change a bit of my strategy.

“I’ll be trying to hit lots of low balls and hopefully the scores will be low too!” said Rattanon who represented Thailand during his amateur days and won the team and individual gold medals at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

Rattanon has enjoyed three top-10s on the Asian Tour this season where he finished tied-fifth, fourth and ninth in Myanmar, Japan and Indonesia respectively.

The Thai is part of the international field expected to light up the Fiji International with more than 20 Asian Tour winners set to tee off against the breathtaking views of the Coral Coast.

“It’s always nice to visit a new country like Fiji. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Fiji and I’ll be looking forward to taking in the sights when I’m there while putting in a strong performance on the golf course,” said Rattanon.

The Fiji International will be headlined by former World Number one and one of Fiji’s greatest sportsmen Vijay Singh as well as four-time Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa.

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