Kiradech Aphibarnrat is the hottest Thai golfer at the moment.
The burly star won his second European Tour title at last week’s Shenzhen International in China after his first at the 2013 Malaysian Open.
He won the Shenzhen title in his 60th European Tour event in dramatic fashion. The leader after three rounds, he found himself two shots down with two holes to play in the final round.
But Kiradech forced a play-off with an eagle at the 71st hole, and then beat local star Li Haotong at the first hole of sudden-death.
“I have to give a big thank you to my caddie for pushing me on,” said the 26-year-old.
“He kept saying to me that as long as we haven't signed a scorecard yet, we haven't lost the match.”
Dubbed ‘Asia’s John Daly’ for his burly physique and playing style, the China win boosted his confidence.
“If I can hit the ball like this, this will not be may last win. I am confident that I will win a couple more titles this year,” said Kiradech.
“I am looking forward to reaching the top of my game again.”
Kiradech and his fiancee Thanyathorn Chaiyarat.
He is the fourth Thai to win on the European Tour, following in the footsteps of Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat.
Asked if he is interested in playing on the PGA Tour, Kiradech said it has always been his dream to play on the elite tour.
But at the moment he is happy to play on the European Tour and success on this circuit could lead him to the PGA Tour, he said.
“I have my European Tour card so I will focus on playing on this tour,’’ said Kiradech who was tied for sixth at the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year.
“Playing on the European Tour could give me the chance to play more on the PGA Tour if I play well and reach the top 50 in the world.”
Apart from the European Tour, Kiradech, who is currently 78th in the world rankings, will also play in Japan and on the Asian Tour.
Nicknamed ‘Arm’, Kiradech stands a chance of earning a place at the US Open and also the Presidents Cup.
He has to be in the top 60 by the end of May to qualify for the US Open.
Kiradech was one of Thailand’s top amateur players.
He won the world junior title twice and also was a member of the winning team at the 2007 SEA Games.
Less than a year after turning pro in 2008, and under the guidance of his late coach ‘Pro Jiew’ Natpasit Chokthanasart (Boonyarit Uasilpasart), Kiradech won his first professional title at the All Thailand Golf Tour’s Singha Pattaya Open in 2009.
He then claimed his maiden Asian Tour crown at the 2011 SAIL Open in India.
His best season so far was 2013 when he won at the Malaysian Open, co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours, and was third at the PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic held in Kuala Lumpur.
With his success in Malaysia, he became the third Thai to be crowned the Asian Tour No.1 after Thongchai (2001, 2004 and 2009) and Thaworn (2005 and 2012).
Kiradech’s father Panupong said that his success was a result of hard work and discipline.
“His life has been mainly about golf,” Panupong said.
“Even when he is on vacation, he cannot be away from golf for three days.
“He does not drink, and as he is now engaged, he has no time to party anymore.”
Kiradech was engaged to his longtime sweetheart Thanyathorn Chaiyarat last month.
They plan to marry next year.
Panupong also praised his son for his gratitude.
“He is grateful to people including his late coach Pro Jiew who is always on his mind,’’ he said.
“Before teeing off, he will pay respect to an amulet given to him by Pro Jiew. He always mentions the coach when he is interviewed about his success in golf.”
Panupong said that his son still needed to improve his physical strength because of his tight schedule for the whole year.
He plans to play about 29-32 tournaments on three tours this year, according to Panupong.
Panupong said Kiradech could fulfil his dream of playing on the PGA Tour.
“Apart from the top 20 players who are really good, Kiradech can play against anyone,’’ he said.
“I am sure that he will be able to play on the PGA Tour in three to five years. But now he is happy to play on the European Tour.”