Kiradech signs off well with closing 67 at The 148th Open
Portrush - Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat signed off with his best round at The Open after carding a four-under-par 67 at The 148th Open on Sunday.
Despite struggling with a knee injury and playing through the pain barrier all week, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion showed grit and determination by ending the week on a high note.
“I managed myself really well today. I conserved my energy and managed to play in the wind. It was one of my best rounds at The Open.
"I've never had a good track record at The Open so it's nice to have a 67 on my card today. My job has been done for the week and I got a few weeks off to rest my knee,” said Kiradech.
The Thai had only made the cut once in his previous five appearances before he teed up at Royal Portrush this week.
He started his week encouragingly with a bogey-free 68 but could not replicate his opening round efforts when he posted a 73 on the second day.
Kiradech continued to endure the nagging pain felt throughout the week and settled for a third round 77 before a final round 67 saw him close with a four-day total of one-over-par 285 at the world’s oldest Major.
“It was not fun playing with the pain all week. I tried to force myself, executing the full golf swing but it didn’t work. I tried to hit it harder but the body is not 100% fit and ready.
“But today, I changed my strategy by hitting the ball softer. When the wind is strong, you have to hit it softer which helps with the swing,” said Kiradech.
