Thongchai at The Open: Happy to make the cut

Black Mountain sponsored player Thongchai Jaidee survived the blustery winds to shoot a second straight even par 72 at The Open Championship and safely make the halfway cut.

The 44-year-old Thai got off to a stunning start with three birdies in his first five holes at Royal Liverpool before his charge up the leaderboard veered slightly off course as the famed links course finally bared its teeth.

In this blog, Thongchai talks about his round and his battling performance in the wind.

By Thongchai Jaidee

I started really well on the front but struggled on the back nine. It was difficult to adjust as it got windy. Even the par fives, it was tough to play those holes. Anyway, it’s a good round. Even par for both rounds, I’m happy to make the cut. That’s the important thing.

My performance was better than yesterday (first round). In the wind, you just have to keep the ball in play which is quite difficult. It was very tough.

Now that I’ve made the cut, we’ll see how the weather is tomorrow and move from there. If it is bad (which is forecasted), you need to be patient and keep the ball on the fairways and greens. I chipped in for birdie at the first but then found two fairway bunkers which made it tough. But I’m pleased that I hit my irons very good today.

There’s no need to be long on this course, just avoid the bunkers. But it is difficult if the wind blows like today. On the last hole, I hit it good but still found the bunker.

For me, I keep learning although I have spent a lot of time playing golf in Europe. It’s good to be here for a Major championship. If we get ourselves into all the Majors, I want to do it. It’s a good life.”