Pattaya: Winning the Thailand Open two years ago was a hugely memorable moment in Prayad Marksaeng's golfing life and he would love to deliver a repeat performance when the OneAsia tournament gets underway next week.
Prayad Marksaeng after his victory in 2013.
The Singha Corporation Thailand Open ranks above all other events in the ambitions of home players and that guarantees a tournament of tournaments at Siam Country Club's Plantation Course from June 11-14.
A field of champions will contest the OneAsia and Japan Golf Tour Organisation co-sanctioned event with Thai stars Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thaworn Wiratchant and Prom Meesawat all hoping to follow Prayad into the winner's circle.
In 2013, Prayad became just the third local player to lift the coveted King's Trophy, donated by His Majesty the King, and soaked in his success by jumping in the greenside lake at the Thana City Golf and Sports Club.
The tournament was cancelled in 2014 but the two-year wait to defend his title has not dulled Prayad's memory of the win or blunted his desire to succeed again.
"I was really happy to win the Thailand Open two years ago," said the 49-year-old.
"I tried my best to follow in Boonchu Ruangkit's footsteps. He won the Thailand Open twice and I only succeeded [for the first time] two years ago. The victory in the Thailand Open is the most memorable feat of my career.
"[Winning the] Thailand Open is the ultimate goal of Thai players. If you see past champions, there are a few Thais who have won this event. We play for the King's Trophy and it is our dream to win.
"I am defending my title this time. I will do my best to win the King's Trophy again. All Thai players are hoping to win this event. In our golfing lifetime, we all would like to have the opportunity to win the Thailand Open."
Prayad plays the bulk of his golf on the Japan tour, where he has won four times, and credits the country's healing hot springs for keeping him healthy as he nears his 50th birthday.
"Age is progressing non-stop and if I thought about my age, I would be down," he said. "I do a lot of stretching and warm and cold water therapy in the springs in Japan so I don't get sick easily. When I am okay physically, I can play well."
He has won twice in Thailand this year — Singha Masters and the Singha Pattaya Open — and also believes that his free-flowing style has contributed to his longevity in the game. "I'm lucky that I don't need to push hard to swing so I've got less chance of sustaining injuries," he said.