CHONBURI, 21 Nov 2014 (HK Golfer News Wire) - Ranked 45th in the world, Thongchai will be playing at home for the first time this year and has promised to put up a performance befitting of his status as the Kingdom’s best golfer.
"It’s always nice to play at home in front of the home fans. I would love to play more often in Thailand but it’s always a challenge with my schedule abroad.
"But I’ll be back and I can’t ask for a more exciting tournament to play in than the Thailand Golf Championship,” said Thongchai.
The Thai maestro has enjoyed tremendous success worldwide having won 13 titles on the Asian Tour and three Order of Merit crowns since he turned professional in 1999.
It has also been a sensational year for Thongchai having captained Team Asia to a thrilling 10-10 draw with Team Europe at the inaugural EurAsia Cup in March before going on to win his second title on European soil in Sweden in June.
"This is one of my best years of my career and I’m really pleased with how I’ve played all year.
"My goal is to end the year inside the top-50 and right now, I’m on track in meeting that goal,” said Thongchai, who has also enjoyed seven top-10s this season.
Thongchai finish tied for 10th at last year’s edition which was also his best result since the Thailand Golf Championship was inaugurated in 2011.
With his rich vein of form, the Thai ace is now determined to end his year on a flourish.
"The field’s going to be a strong one and I know I’ve to play to my true potential to win. I’m confident I can do well considering my form and results this year,” said Thongchai.
The 45-year-old will face a stern test at the Thai showpiece as a star-studded field that features the likes of defending champion Sergio Garcia, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, reigning US Open winner Martin Kaymer and Asian Tour honorary member Ernie Els of South Africa are expected to draw the huge crowds to the Amata Spring Country Club from December 11-14.
The Thailand Golf Championship has grown into one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour, pitting the region’s best players against a stellar international field.
With its rise in stature, the Thailand Golf Championship has also been confirmed as part of The Open Qualifying Series (OQS), with four places at the 2015 Open, to be held at St Andrews, up for grabs.