Kiradech Aphibarnrat will not return to play in Japan this year as he will focus on the European Tour, his handlers said yesterday.
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat at the PGA Championship. USA TODAY Sports
The Thai, who began playing on the Japan Golf Tour in 2009, wants more time to rest and get ready for the European Tour in the remaining months of the season.
It would be too difficult for him to travel to play in both Japan and Europe, said his handler from IMG.
He will also skip some events on the Asian Tour.
Since making his debut in Japan in 2009, Kiradech has finished second three times.
He has played only one Japan Golf Tour event this year -- the Thailand Open, co-sanctioned by the Japan and OneAsia tours.
However, the 26-year-old has played well on the European Tour this year and won two tournaments including the Paul Lawrie Match Play in Scotland for his first triumph on European soil earlier this month.
With the stated aim of finishing in the top 50 in the world at the end of the season, Kiradech is currently ranked 67th in the world and 13th in the Race to Dubai.
The burly star is taking a break after playing at the PGA Championship earlier this month and will return to action at the European Open in Germany from Sep 24-Sep 27.
Meanwhile, Japan's Ryo Ishikawa earned a PGA Tour card for next season after finishing 31st at the Wyndham Championship and placing 124th in the FedEx Cup standings on Sunday.
Ishikawa also qualified for The Barclays, the first of four tournaments of the FedEx Cup play-offs starting tomorrow.
A PGA tour card and a place at The Barclays are awarded to the top 125 players.
Starting the final round of the last regular season event in 47th, Ishikawa had an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys for a four-under 66 for 271.
American Davis Love III won the title with a score of 263.