Thongchai Jaidee building Open hopes

Edited by Anand Datla

June 11, 2015: Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee hopes to write his own chapter in golf’s history books when he returns to the Home of Golf in St Andrews for The Open next month.

As one of the most decorated players on the Asian Tour with three Order of Merit titles and 13 victories, the 45-year-old believes he can make an impact at the world’s oldest Major which will get underway from July 16-19.

“The Open is a very unique golf event because of its long history of golf. Many legends were born here and no words can describe my feelings of how excited I’m to be heading back to St Andrews,” said Thongchai.

Thongchai’s last visit to St Andrews in 2010 ended with him missing the weekend cut.

But much has changed since with the Thai continuing to make his impact on the global stage with two victories in Europe in Wales (2012) and Sweden (2014).

Thongchai will also be heading to St Andrews with a rich vein of form having enjoyed two runner-up finishes in Thailand and England this season already.

He is also in contention to qualify for the International Team for the Presidents Cup against the United States in Korea this October where he is presently ranked fifth on the team listings.

“I’m having a great year even though I haven’t won yet. But two runner-up finishes are just as great. I would like to keep that momentum going and see how far it will take me,” said Thongchai.

With the world’s best players taking their place at the Old Course in St Andrews, Thongchai is making no bones about who will be his biggest threat.

“The field would be the biggest challenge when it comes to The Open as every player is a strong one and winning a Major will be the biggest motivation,” said Thongchai.

Thongchai believes his vast experience of playing under various conditions globally will put him in good stead for his Major campaign.

“I’ve been playing in Europe for a long time already and so the course and playing style wouldn’t be much of a concern,” said Thongchai.

But what will be vital for the veteran will be his approach to battling the gusty conditions expected to blow many off course.

“Shot selection will be key as you got to make the right decision on what clubs to use. You got to hit the ball low and adapt accordingly to the surface type,” said Thongchai.

Thongchai will be part of the stellar field from the Asian Tour charged with carrying the hopes of the region at The Open Championship.

Other notable players include India’s Anirban Lahiri, who currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit, 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion David Lipsky of the United States and Australia’s Scott Hend, a six-time Asian Tour winner.

Asian Tour member Jonathan Moore of the United States will also be part of the elite line-up in St Andrews, having earned his place at last year’s Thailand Golf Championship, which was part of the Open Qualifying Series.

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Source: Asian Tour Website