GOLF
In-form veteran plans to focus on Japan Tour
KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT
Prayad Marksaeng is confident that his best is yet to come after his fine performance in last week's PGA Championship when he shared 15th place.. The 42-year-old golfer capitalised on his recent good form to bring home US$ 107,060 (about 3.5 million baht) from the major event. It was also the first time he made the cut in the major tournament in four attempts.
His recent achievements have given him great confidence in a season in which he has also won two Japan Tour titles. ''It is great. However, it is just half the season,'' he said. ''I think my best has yet to come.''
Prayad who this year took part in three majors _ US Masters, British Open and PGA Championship _ hoped that more compatriots would have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to participate in the majors.
''I have gained much more experience playing in the USA,'' he said.
''It will be good if in the future we see Thais playing regularly in the majors.''
For the rest of the year, Prayad who has six Asian Tour titles under his belt, will be focusing on the Japan Tour.
He believes that experiencing tough courses at both the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship in the last two weeks would benefit him a lot. ''I have gained great experience from these two weeks. I think it will make it easier for me to play on the Japan Tour,'' said the native of Hua Hin.
Prayad also plans to be back on the Asian Tour later in the year to play in the Singapore Open, Cambodian Open and the season-ending Volvo Masters where he will be defending the title.
He also hopes to take part in the HSBC Champions and World Cup, both taking place in China in November.
His season goal is still the same, reaching the world top 50 and remaining in the top 5 on the Japan Tour's money list.
''If I perform well in Japan, my world ranking will move up quickly,'' he said. Prayad is currently ranked 70th in the world and 2nd on the Japan Tour.
''Being number one in Japan also interests me. Anyway I don't want to force myself too much. I will just try to do my best.''
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