Thongchai Limps Over The Line At Lytham
July 22, 2012

An injured Thongchai Jaidee closed with an eight-over-par 78 at The Open Championship on Sunday and was looking forward to a break after a hectic five-week run of tournaments.

The Thai standout failed to shoot a single birdie in the fourth round at Royal Lytham and St Annes but was relieved to know his ailing neck was due to only a muscle strain.

Thongchai Jaidee

“I played so badly today. I think I’m a bit tired as this is my fifth tournament in a row. Also, my neck is still not good. It feels very tight and I don’t know what is going on. Maybe it’s because I’m tired as it’s my fifth week in a row,” said Thongchai, who accumulated a total of 12-over-par 292.

“I’ve seen the physiotherapist and it’s a muscle problem. It’s nothing serious. I cannot turn the neck fully now. I’ll take a week’s rest. I think the rest will help me to recover.

“I would not normally play five tournaments in a row. The Open wasn’t on my schedule but I got in.”

The triple Asian Tour number one, who won the Wales Open last month for his first title in Europe, will remain in England for several days before meeting his coach in Munich. He will then head to the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

His victory in Wales has given Thongchai the confidence that he can win anywhere in the world now.

“After Wales, I know I have a chance to win anywhere. My confidence is back but this wasn’t my week,” he said

“I lost a bit of my golf game yesterday and today. I couldn’t control the ball, a lot of bogeys. A bit unlucky too as a few drives bounced into the rough.”