Chiangmai (Thailand), Nov 7 (IANS) A determined Kiradech Aphibarnrat will do everything he can to win a first Asian Tour title on home soil when he headlines the Chiangmai Golf Classic next week.
The reigning Asian Tour number one has made it his top priority to win in front of his home fans when he tees up at the $750,000 Asian Tour event from Nov 13 to 16.
“I’m feeling good and I’m really trying hard to win again. I will try to win until I hold a trophy in front of my family. I love playing in front of the Thai golf fans. All my fans have been monitoring on how I’ve been playing this year and I don’t want to disappoint them in Chiangmai,” said Kiradech.
The 25-year-old will be joined by Major champions Jason Dufner of the US and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
Title holder Scott Hend of Australia, 2010 Order of Merit winner Noh Seung-yul of Korea and Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng will also be in the elite field.
“It is very good to have all the top players come to Thailand. It gives us the opportunity to play and learn from them. It will also help promote golf in Chiangmai,” said Kiradech.
Winning the Order of Merit crown in 2013 opened many doors for Kiradech but it also gave him added pressure to perform to his best potential.
With three-top 10 results so far this year including a tied runner-up finish at the Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup, an event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and JGTO, Kiradech believes he is inching closer to a first win in 2014.
“There’s always a lot of pressure when you are the Asian Tour number one at the age of 24. It is not easy to maintain the form because all the other players are trying to beat you,” said Kiradech.
“I didn’t play well in the beginning of the year but I’m playing better and striking the ball good. There are just days when I can’t sink a putt. I try to do as good as I can. I might win a few tournaments in a row like Scott Hend and Thongchai Jaidee, These things can happen in golf,” he said.