Boonchu is out to make Cambodia golf history

Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit will be eager to lead the array of Asian Tour stars at the inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open which tees off on Thursday.

The 51-year-old Boonchu hopes to drive for glory at the country’s first ever national Open to be played at the esteemed Phokeethra Country Club this week. The US$300,000 tournament is the first professional golf event to be played in the emerging nation.

Among the other Asian stalwarts gunning for a slice of history this week include compatriot Chapchai Nirat who is determined to close the gap on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit race after his win in Vietnam on Sunday, Thaworn Wiratchant, a former Asian number one with nine wins on the Asian Tour, American Anthony Kang, India’s Rahil Gangjee, Iain Steel of Malaysia and Australia’s Unho Park.

Rated as one of Asia’s greatest golfers, Boonchu believes that the tournament marks a special beginning for golf in Cambodia and a new experience for the Asian Tour players who will compete at the lengthy 7,226 yards par-72 course.

“Cambodia has improved a lot and it shows through the staging of the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open this week. It is something new for the players and the country and it’s great to see how golf has developed in Asia,” said Boonchu, who will be banking on accurate drives at the Phokeethra Course.

“The Phokeethra Country Club is a long course that requires accurate drives off the tee. The young big hitting players will have a huge advantage here while an old man like me might struggle a little. But I will put my head down and strive to produce a good result,” added Boonchu, who tipped his young compatriot Chapchai as the strong title contender this week.

“Chapchai will have a good chance this week as I know his game and this course suits his style. As for me, I’m tired. It’s my third week in a row and it’s taking a toll on my game. But it’s going to be an exciting outing as players will be determined to ink their name as the tournament’s first ever winner.”

Chinese Taipei’s Chang Tse-peng, who finished runner-up at the Hero Honda Indian Open in October, will be on the final push this week realising that a solid result will secure his position for next season.

“This is my final chance to keep my full playing rights for next year and I will strive to do my best this week. This is new for all the players here and a new experience for me too so we all have an equal chance here.

“I will strive to do my best but I hope to enjoy my time on course. It is very windy out there. I have been able to control my emotions much better now on course and I’m able to enjoy my game which I hope will help me emulate if not better my result in India,” said Chang, who is ranked 62nd on the UBS Order of Merit.

India’s Gangjee, with one Asian Tour title under his belt, is on a similar note as he is confident that his new found rhythm will steer him through a second triumph this week.

“Club selection will be crucial here and ball control is equally important. The wind might be a deciding factor but my game is finally getting back on track as the season ends and what better way to end the year with a win this week,” said Gangjee, who finished third in India last month.

The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open is the penultimate event on the 2007 Asian Tour Schedule.

November 27, 2007

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