Thongchai ready for Masters mission

After taking much needed rest, Thonchai Jaidee is ready to launch a worthy challenge at the Masters Tournament which starts on Thursday. The 45-year-old Asian Tour star hopes a month-long break from tournament play ahead of the season’s first Major championship will ignite his game at Augusta National Golf Club.

A return to Augusta will bring back good memories for the celebrated Thai golfer as he made the halfway cut last year in his third attempt at the Masters Tournament, which completed a career goal of playing in all four rounds of every Major championship.

Like most, the world number 43 desires a Major win in his resume and despite his advanced age, the veteran believes the Masters Tournament will offer the best opportunity for him to contend.

Here is what the Black Mountain sponsored player has to say ahead of his challenge.

“I feel I’m ready for the upcoming Masters Tournament. I’ve had a full month of not playing in tournaments and was instead getting myself ready for the Masters.

I’ve been hitting the ball better despite my advancing age but I’m good in trying to keep my body fit and healthy by doing regular gym work. I stay fit all the time to make sure that my golf is at its best.

I’ve learned a lot from my three visits to Augusta National. It’s not a golf course where you can go aggressive as it will punish you, especially around the greens. You need to be steady and consistent to play each shot and try to make birdies when there is a good opportunity.

Augusta National is a unique course unlike the other majors where they switch different courses every year. There is so much tradition at the Masters Tournament … such as the par three contest. It’ll be a good week.

It’s true we haven’t seen any Asians breaking through but as time goes by, we can expect more wins from Asian players.

Development of golf needs time and these days, I see golfers from Japan and Korea have been coming out strong and representing our continent on the world stage. A country like India is also doing well. But at the end of the day, it needs time.”