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Thongchai hopes for change of fortune in Singapore

With new irons in the bag plus a new caddie by his side, Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is hoping to strike it hot at the star-studded US$3 million Barclays Singapore Open starting on Thursday

The two-time Asian Tour number one is a perennial contender in the region but he admitted that his present form has not been at its best as he prepares to change his golfing fortunes at the challenging par-71 Sentosa Golf Club Serapong course.

"The course is great, better than last year. The rough is still very difficult as once you're in there, you just have to lay up. You'll have to hit fairways and greens again but the greens are the best," said Thongchai.

"My game is not very good right now. I have travelled a lot recently and I have not been able to see my coach back home. My game has been affected. I'm only able to see him next week. I feel my game has not improved. I've had problems with my putting for a long time now, for six to seven months and my iron play has been very average as well."

Thongchai, the all-time money earner in Asia with over US$2 million in winnings, put in new irons in his bag for his trip to the Barclays Singapore Open, the Asian Tour's flagship tournament, in hope that it will fire up his game.

After playing in the Pro-Am this morning, the former paratrooper feels confident. "It's the first time that I'm using the Callaway prototype irons," he said. "They have got a higher ball flight and I can stop the ball better on the greens."

Thongchai was in the hunt at last year's Singapore Open before finishing fifth with a closing 74. With another elite field assembled here in Sentosa which includes title holder Adam Scott of Australia, South African Ernie Els and Europe's 2006 Ryder Cup duo Lee Wetstwood and Paul McGinley, Thongchai is feeling excited once again.

"It was tough last year. I had trouble with the driver on the last day. This year, I don't need length on this course, just hit the fairways. I'll use a lot of three woods and three irons from off the tee. I've got a new caddie as well (Phil Newcombe of Australia). He's a good friend and he's helped me a lot.

"Hopefully, my memories from last year will help me. I feel I know the course well. I know which holes are the dangerous ones and I need to keep to my plan. If you hit the fairway, it's a lot easier to play.

"The presence of big players will help the Asian Tour for sure. I've played a lot with them in Europe, so it doesn't matter to me. It's good that we have big tournaments now. This is the best tournament in Asia. It's the best course I think, perfect fairways and greens. There's big money which is important for a big tournament. It's definitely the hardest course that I've played on as well in Asia," said Thongchai.

September 6, 2006