Ibaraki: Sadom Kaewkanjana is hoping his first trip to Japan in three years for this week's Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup at Oarai Golf Club near Tokyo will help him recapture the eye-catching form that brought him so much success last season.
The Thai won the Singapore Open in January to end what was a sensational season that also saw him triumph in five tournaments on Thailand's domestic circuits, including the Thailand Open.
He also finished runner-up in the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship in November.
His early season form has shown promise, but he is aiming to shift gear this week, especially as he was tied for 13th in the 2019 edition of the Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup, although it was played at Sobu Country Club that year.
"Personally, I really like this country, it's very inspirational," said the 23-year-old. "I love to play golf in Japan because of the great way you feel on the course and off the course."
He has been in Japan since last Thursday to meet quarantine procedures, which is three days in Japan without the appropriate vaccine documentation.
"Arriving early means I have more time to prepare as well. Golf courses in Japan are unique as the fairways are narrow and the greens small, which is different from many countries in Asia. You really need to carefully plan every shot."
The rising star has a busy year ahead playing in Asia and beyond. By virtue of his second place finish on last year's Asian Tour Order of Merit he has been invited to play in the LIV Golf Invitational tournaments.
He has also been invited to play in next week's PGA Championship, which will mark his maiden appearance in a major.
He added: "It's going to be an amazing year. Right now, my main goal is to play on the Asian Tour and in the LIV events this year, and maybe I will qualify for another tour in the end of the year as well."
This week's event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and features a number of leading players from both circuits.
The winner will be rewarded with an exemption into July's 150th British Open at St Andrews.