Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee hopes to make a quick return to the world's top 50 in order to guarantee entry to golf's biggest tournaments.
Thongchai Jaidee will begin his 2017 campaign in Abu Dhabi next week. reuters Andrew Boyers
The 47-year-old golfer, who is currently ranked 54th, will begin his 2017 campaign with four events starting next week.
The Lop Buri native said his immediate target was a place in the world's top 50 for tickets to the WGC-Mexico Championship from March 2-5 and Masters from April 6-9.
"I want to get back in the top 50 again and win a title as soon as possible,'' said Thongchai who won his eighth European Tour crown at last year's French Open.
"I am getting older. I will be tougher to play against younger players but I will use my experience to compete against them."
Thongchai, who will have Sweden's Eric Frost as his caddie this year, said he had worked hard on putting, a major factor behind his unconvincing 2016 campaign.
The former soldier also plans to play fewer tournaments due to his age.
His first event this year will be the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi from Jan 19-22, followed by the Qatar Masters from Jan 26-29, Dubai Dessert Classic from Feb 2-5 and Maybank Championship Malaysia from Feb 9-10.
To be eligible for the Masters, the year's first major, Thongchai must be in the top 50 by March 27.
He must be there by Feb 28 for a spot at the US$9.75 million WCG-Mexico Championship.
Like Thongchai, world No.82 Kiradech Aphibarnrat will also start his season with those four events.
The 27-year-old star said that he would focus on the European Tour this year after failing to earn a PGA Tour card last year.