Now for world top 30, says in-form Kiradech
Thai No 1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat has set himself a goal of breaking into the world’s top 30 after climbing to a career-best of No 36 in the wake of his top-five finish at the World Golf Championship in Mexico City yesterday (Thailand time).
Kiradech finished equal fifth, his career-best for a PGA Tour event after a pulsating final day in mexico, where former world No 1 Phil Mickelson of the US prevailed after a playoff.
Big-hitting Kiradech signed off with his week’s best of six-under 65 for a 13-under 271 total, three shots behind the playoff duo of Mickelson and reigning PGA champion Justin Thomas.
Kiradech’s terrific finish, which came a few weeks after lifting a fourth European Tour title in Australia, saw him match countryman Thongchai Jaidee’s best outing by a Thai player in the World Golf Championships four-tournament series. Thongchai also finished equal fifth at the WGC-Dell Technologies Matchplay in 2010.
Kiradech rose from No 40 to 36 in the world yesterday, a spot higher than his previous in 2015.
“I was very proud with the way I played and to finish top-five in the World Golf Championships is always the best. On Saturday, I didn’t hole a putt, it just kicked me out of position. I played great golf today but still a little bit behind, a little bit too far,” said Kiradech, whose previous best finish in the World Golf Championships was a tie for 18th at the 2016 WGC-Dell Technologies Matchplay.
Kiradech posted on his Facebook page that he was delighted to have scaled a new world ranking high and would next aim at cracking the top 30.
