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Thongchai approaches 40 with confidence

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is confident he can sustain his winning ways as he prepares to enter a golden phase of his career by turning 40 later this year.

Thongchai, a two-time Asian number one, will launch his 2009 Asian Tour campaign at next week’s Maybank Malaysian Open knowing that he has every chance of writing more golf history at Saujana Golf and Country Club.

The former paratrooper jointly holds the most wins on Tour at 10 titles with Thaworn Wiratchant but he is hoping to surpass his compatriot at a venue which feels like home as he won the Malaysian Open back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 at Saujana.

“I’ll turn 40 later this year (in November) but it’s only a number. I’m still feeling strong and I’m confident that I can still win regularly over the next few years,” said Thongchai, Asia’s number one in 2001 and 2004.

He does not need to look too far for inspiration. Thaworn and Prayad Marksaeng, both into their 40s, have regularly won tournaments over the past few years.

Thaworn, Asia’s number one in 2005, claimed victory at the Bangkok Airways Open to become the first man to win 10 titles last year while Prayad triumphed three times in Japan.

“They’ve showed that they can still do it in their 40s. It’s all about keeping yourself fit which is very important. I’m feeling stronger now after a bout of illnesses and injuries over the past one year and I’m slowly building up my fitness to a good level again,” said Thongchai, who competed in two events in the Middle East last month where he finished tied 13th and 47th.

In 2008, Thongchai ended the season on a strong note by securing back-to-back victories at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters and Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open to salvage a year which was hit by various obstacles.

His timely return to form coincided with the birth of his second son in December and also a decision to putt cross-handed for the first time in his career before the start of the Vietnam event.

His wife Namfon subsequently nicknamed the second boy “Champion” after Thongchai’s record equalling victories.

“I seem to have found my form with the new putting grip,” said Thongchai. “I was frustrated for a very long time as I couldn’t hole enough putts.”

As he has done over the last few years, Thongchai will also compete abroad and feels confident of securing a maiden title on European soil. He is also planning to make another attempt at the US PGA Tour qualifying school later in the year.

“I’ve set a goal for myself to win titles in Asia and Europe this year,” said Thongchai, who grew up playing football before switching to golf after he got injured.

“I’ve tried qualifying for the US Tour twice previously and I’m planning to make another trip over. The course set up in the US suits my style of play as I hit it high and I enjoy putting on the greens over there.”

February 5, 2009