BOISE, United States: Kiradech Aphibarnrat steps into the pressure-packed Korn Ferry Tour Finals starting today with the full knowledge that his PGA Tour career is very much on the line.
But instead of worrying, the Thai star said he is finally back in a happy place, thanks to his family being with him again and a new caddie helping to navigate some turbulent times which has seen his world ranking plummet from 30th to outside the top 500 over the last few years.
The 32-year-old player will tee up in this week's Albertsons Boise Open in Idaho, which is the first of three Korn Ferry Tour Finals events.
The top-25 players after three weeks will earn PGA Tour cards.
"I'm playing better golf in the last two to three months. I'm happy with the swing and game," said Kiradech.
"My confidence is building up and I think overall it's about confidence for me. This is the first time in my career that I'm in this situation. I don't want to put pressure on myself as I still have my European Tour status in my pocket, if I'm not successful in the US."
The arrival of his wife Tunyantorn, mother Supunnikar and younger sister Sirinporn to the US last month and the hiring of a new caddie, Cole Pensanti, have coincided with Kiradech showing glimpses of his best form.
Kiradech won four European Tour titles and became the first Thai player to earn a PGA Tour card in 2018.
He finished equal 39th in the 3M Open last month and tied for 37th place at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday -- his best results of the season.
"There have been a lot of good things. But more importantly now is that I enjoy my golf again," he said. "My family came over to the US last month and they will be on the road with me. It makes feel like I'm home.
"I'm also happy working with my new caddie. I am going to carry more confidence into these next three weeks for sure."