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Thongchai still motivated to climb more mountains

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee will be aiming to rise to the challenge at the US$500,000 Black Mountain Masters on home soil next week when the newest Asian Tour event makes its debut.

The two-time Asian number one will headline a top-class field which includes current Order of Merit leader Anthony Kang of the United States at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand from March 26 to 29, 2009.

A return to the coastal town located south of Bangkok will bring back good memories for the supremely talented Thongchai as he had finished second in the Thailand Open when it was played in Hua Hin nine years ago, although at a different golf course.

“I heard that we’ll be visiting a very good golf course and the facilities are fantastic. I’m looking forward to the Black Mountain Masters,” said Thongchai.

“I plan to head to Black Mountain early to get in some practice as I’ve not played there before. The last time I competed in Hua Hin was way back in 2000 when I finished runner-up in the Thai Open. I will try to play well and improve on that performance next week.”

Thongchai has enjoyed a terrific run of form where he has won three Asian Tour titles over the span of three months which has made him the player with the most number of victories in the region with 11 wins. His latest triumph came at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open last month.

He said that it was a huge boost that the Black Mountain Masters, which is title sponsored by the golf club, is making its debut on the Asian Tour.

“It’s nice to have a new tournament in Thailand. Whenever I’m able to, I will always try to support the event,” said Thongchai.

“When I play at home, I always enjoy myself. I would always try to play well for my fans and I hope to play well at Black Mountain,” said Thongchai, who finished tied 10th in the Singh Thailand Open earlier this month.

Currently third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, Thongchai said that it would also be his goal to try to become the first player in Asian golf history to secure three merit crowns this season.

Although he will maintain his playing schedule between Asia and Europe, Thongchai knows he has every chance of sustaining his bid to become the region’s number one player again.

“I’ve already enjoyed a good start and I’m going to try and win the Order of Merit again,” said Thongchai, who won the merit titles in 2001 and 2004.

“I’m planning to play in the big events on the Asian Tour this season and I know I’ll have to play well in them. It’ll be quite special to win a third Order of Merit title.”

The full-field Asian Tour event will also see many top sponsors including PTT, Federbrau, TAT and Hua Hin Hoteliers Club supporting the Black Mountain Masters.

Sweden’s Jesper Parnevik, who has five US PGA Tour titles under his belt, and fellow countryman Johan Edfors and Mikko Ilonen of Finland will also compete in the Black Mountain Masters, which will be the seventh leg of this season’s Asian Tour.

March 18, 2009