European Tour champion Thongchai Jaidee will be playing for the highest stakes of his season at this month’s US$5 million Barclays Singapore Open, as he seeks to become the second consecutive Asian winner of the star-studded tournament.
A victory would see the Thai ace consolidate his position in the top 15 in The Race to Dubai, and climb the World Rankings to ensure an appearance in all four Majors championships next year.
It would also be an early birthday present for the former paratrooper, who turns 40 on November 8.
The Barclays Singapore Open, which is being co-sanctioned by The European Tour and the Asian Tour for the first time, will be staged at Sentosa Golf Club from October 29-November 1.
Jaidee’s form has been impressive all season, with wins at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open and the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea followed by a noteworthy tied 13th finish in the British Open at Turnberry, Scotland.
Those results have helped him establish himself as a leading contender on The European Tour, where he is in line for a share of the end-of-season bonus pool if he remains in the top 15 places.
Jaidee believes that staying injury-free has boosted both his confidence and his form.
“This year, my body is stronger than last year,” he said. “The key this year has been my health. If I feel strong, I can play well. I played well in a couple of Majors, and it’s given me a lot of confidence.”
But Jaidee knows he will have to be on top of his game if he is to take home the US$833,330 first prize.
“The course is very tricky but my swing is better than last time,” said Thongchai, who recovered from a disappointing opening 76 last year to finish 13th at last year’s Barclays Singapore Open. “I’m confident of playing well, because my driver and irons are working well.
“You need to drive the ball well around there, and hit the fairways. It’s not an easy course to score on. The greens are firm, and the rough is very thick. On some holes, you have to hit away from trouble.”
Jaidee will be pitting his skills against Major champions Phil Mickelson of America, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington and South African Ernie Els, who all know their way around the The Serapong Course. But he feels that an Asian can triumph again after Jeev Milkha Singh’s victory last year.
The left-handed Mickelson was ninth in 2008, whilst Open Champion winners Harrington and Els shared second spot behind Singh.
“The tournament is in Asia so there is good chance for an Asian to win,” said Thongchai. “We have very strong players who regularly play well in the tournament.
“It’s a good field in the Barclays Singapore Open, but the weather favours Asian players. Europeans always struggle in the heat, so it’s an advantage for our players.
“I’ve not won three tournaments in a year before, but this year I have a very good chance of achieving that goal.”
