Thongchai Jaidee is cautious about his chance at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational which tees off today in Ohio.
Thongchai Jaidee
In his sixth appearance at the US$9 million event at Firestone Country Club, the Thai knows how difficult the course is.
"The course is quite long with deep rough," said the world No.33 who will be playing in his third of four WCG events this year.
"You need accurate tee shots and good iron play. There are also some elevated greens where you have to put the ball at the right position.
"The front nine holes are very tough but you can hope for a lower score on the back nine."
In the first round, he will play alongside Matt Jones of Australia who won his maiden PGA Tour title at the Houston Open in April.
In his previous five attempts at the tournament, Thongchai’s best performance was tied 32nd in 2004.
The Lopburi native hopes to continue his good form this year after a one-week break.
He won the Nordea Masters in Sweden for his sixth European Tour title last month.
He also finished fifth at the BMW International in Germany and second at the French Open.
He climbed up to his career best 33rd in the world after his joint 39th finish at the British Open.
In this year’s WGC events, Thongchai shared sixth place at the
Cadillac Championship and lost in the first round at the Accenture Match Play Championship.
In Chiang Mai, Thammanoon Sriroj will today begin the defence of his Chiangmai Open at Mae Jo Golf Club and Resort.
The 45-year-old will be challenged by several veterans including last year’s runner-up Prayad Marksaeng, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat, who was second at the Hua Hin Open earlier this month.
In the first two rounds of the 2.2-million-baht tournament, Thammanoon is grouped with Pariya Junhasavasdikul and Sutijet Kooratanapisan, while Prayad will play alongside Chinnarat Phadungsil and Thitiphun Chuayprakong.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat has withdrawn from the tournament after he received an invitation to play at next week’s PGA Championship.
Kiradech is determined put up a performance worthy of his status as the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion at the Aug 7-10 major tournament at Valhalla Golf Club.
"The PGA Championship is a fantastic event and I really enjoyed the occasion especially the atmosphere, the fans and the media attention last year," the 25-year-old golfer said.