The fourth Thailand Golf Championship will begin on Thursday at Amata Spring Country Club and the US$1 million Asian Tour event is expected to thrill fans with a field boasting several world-class players.
That star-studded field is led by two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, US Open winner Martin Kaymer, former Thailand Golf Championship winner Lee Westwood, defending champion Sergio Garcia and four-time major winner Ernie Els.
Japanese fans can support players from their country — Koumei Oda, Hiroshi Iwata and Shingo Katayama, while the Thai challenge is spearheaded by Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and reigning Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
“I am sure that it will be another great edition of the Thailand Golf Championship,” said Thailand Golf Championship executive director Sarath Ratanavadi.
“While Bubba is eager to win his second title in Asia after his victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions in China, many Asian players, especially the Japanese, have potential to become the first Asian to win the title. I hope we have an Asian champion this year and this will be great for the tournament.”
American Watson, 36, said after winning the HSBC Champions, his first title outside the US, that he was always committed to win outside his country.
“After win in China, my next target is the Thailand Golf Championship,’’ he said.
The big-hitter was runner-up when he made his Thailand Golf Championship debut in the 2012 although he was 11 strokes behind winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. Last year, he came in joint 30th.
“I used to have a good result there and I hope to win this year,” said the world No.4.
Former world No.1 Kaymer will make his Thailand Golf Championship debut and will be a drawcard. He has had a great year winning the US Open and Players Championship, sometimes dubbed the ‘fifth major’.
Sarath said that although Ryo Ishikawa will not be in the field, there are several other Japanese players for their compatriots here to cheer for. Iwata, Oda and Katayama have all been in good form this year.
Three-time Asian Tour No.1 Thongchai is still Thailand’s best hope.
The 45-year-old has enjoyed another great season, winning his sixth European Tour title at the Nordea Masters in Sweden.
“The field at the Amata Spring Country Club is strong. But I have confidence in my game in one of the best seasons of my career,’’ he said.
Chapchai Nirat, who was joint eighth last year, and Prom Meesawat, who is third on the Asian Tour money list, are also in good form.
There is extra spice at this year’s tournament as four spots for the 2015 British Open are up for grabs.
“This is a co-operation between the tournament and R&A and this has lifted our tournament to another level,’’ Sarath said.
Andrew Pitts, general manager of Amata Spring Country Club, said the course is ready to welcome golfers and fans.
“The fairways will be decreased by about 12-15 percent in size while the rough will be tougher,’’ Pitts said.
Asked to predict the winner, Pitts suggested the course will suit big hitters like Watson and Kiradech.