Thongchai
Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, both in-form former Asian Tour number ones, are hoping to add the Venetian Macao Open to their growing list of victories after signing up for the USD1 million tournament, held from October 15 to 18.
Veteran Thongchai, known as the only man to win three Order of Merit titles in Asia, will arrive at the Macau Golf and Country Club in top form following his latest win at the Porsche European Open last week, which was his third title on European soil.
The 45-year-old will participate in his first President’s Cup for the International Team against the United States in South Korea next week before heading to Macau in a bid to land his 14th career title on the Asian Tour.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the Venetian Macao Open, which is always a great tournament in which to compete on the Asian Tour,” said Thongchai. “We get to play on a challenging course and stay in a nice resort at The Venetian Macao. My record at the Macau Golf and Country Club has been pretty good over the past three years, with two top-10s and one top-20, but hopefully this time, I will be able to challenge for the title.”
Prior to his latest triumph in Germany, Thognchai, a former paratrooper, finished as the runner-up twice earlier this year and has since risen to the 32nd spot on the Official World Golf Ranking, matching his previous career’s highest ranking.
“My 2015 season has been pretty solid and qualifying for the Presidents Cup team is also a highlight for me. Although I’ve won tournaments in Europe over the past few years, it’s actually been five years since I last won [a tournament] on the Asian Tour and I hope to break that drought. Winning the Venetian Macao Open will be a very nice addition to all my victories in Asia,” said Thongchai.
The immensely popular Kiradech, who is well-known for his big-hitting and aggressive game, is looking forward to a third visit to the Venetian Macao Open.
“This will only be my third visit to the Venetian Macao Open but it’s certainly one of the events in which I look forward to competing. The players are looked after so well by the title sponsor and Macao is also a great city to visit as there are so many things to do away from golf,” said the 26-year-old.
“It has been a great season so far for me, with two wins, and if I can continue to play my best golf in Macau, I know I will be able to contend when I get there. It is also important for me to finish the year strongly on the Asian Tour as I want to break into the world’s top-50 by the end of the season and get myself into the Majors and World Golf Championships events,” added Kiradech, who is currently ranked 63rd in the world.
Other stars who have committed to competing in the local tournament include the title holder and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, Anirban Lahiri of India, the former champion, Scott Hend of Australia, and Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa.
The Macau Daily Times is the tournament’s official media partner.
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