Chapchai aims to take his game global

Thai young gun Chapchai Nirat is aiming to shoot for success on the international front after enjoying a stellar 2007 season on the Asian Tour.

The big-hitting Chapchai, who has been described by Phil Mickelson as "world-class", enjoyed a career high when he notched two victories before ending the year in second place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

Now, he has set his sights on bigger goals and hopes to win outside of the region.

His quest for global fame begins in Abu Dhabi this week but it is the United States that the 24-year-old Thai hopes to eventually test his game against the world’s elite.

"I really hope to play well this year," said Chapchai. "I have a good caddie in Manop Suntiey who has helped me tremendously. I would like to improve on my short game and with Manop’s guidance, I know that can be done this season."

Chapchai turned professional at a tender age of 15 and made an impact in his rookie Asian Tour season in 2005. It wasn’t until last year that he eventually forced his way into the winner’s circle.

He became the third Thai after Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant to lift an Asian Tour and European Tour co-sanctioned title with a wire-to-wire victory at the TCL Classic last March.

Chapchai, nicknamed 'King Kong' by his compatriots because of his big-hitting game, topped the field again at the inaugural Hana Bank Vietnam Masters and accumulated seven other top-10 finishes to earn US$442,325 last year. He was also crowned the Birdie King on Tour after notching the must number of ‘birds’ – 306 – last year.

"I hope to finish in the top-10 on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit this year. That means I have to play well in the big events. After a great year in 2007, I now have the confidence to aim for more wins.

"I have gained so much experience since I joined the Tour three years ago. I know what it takes to win now and I hope to strive for more success. But the learning curve will not stop for me as there are a lot of good players out there … I have to keep learning," he said.

His ultimate goal is to become the first Thai to play full-time on the US PGA Tour and he will take heart from Mickelson’s assessment after they played together at the Barclays Singapore Open last year.

Mickelson said: "Chapchai is a world-class player. He can easily play the PGA Tour and do very well. He should be playing in the World Golf Championships and the Majors as I feel he is so talented."

However, Chapchai is in no rush. "I want to compete in United States. However, I hope finish the 2008 season strongly so that I can see how far I go and how ready I am before I head to America. Competing in the US is my ultimate goal but I still have time to prepare. I don’t want to rush into it," said the Thai, who will play in the WGC-CA Championship in the US in March.

"This year, I plan to play in Asia and Europe. It will be quite a challenge but I am ready to have a go and try to enjoy a solid start to the year."

Another goal of his is to qualify for his maiden Major this season. "I have not qualified for the British or US Opens and I will try to go to qualifying if the schedule does not clash. I’m looking forward to the CA Championship and hopefully enjoy a good run which will help me reach my ultimate goal," said Chapchai.

January 16, 2008

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