Thongchai kickstarts Portuguese challenge with a 67

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee opened his accounts at the Portugal Masters encouragingly with a four-under-par 67. The Black Mountain sponsored player, who has already won once in Sweden this year, is poised to emerge as another likely contender again this week.

Here’s what he had to say following his opening round in Portugal.

“I played really solid today. I’m swinging the ball very nicely and I’m hitting it very well. I’m very happy to be able to start with a four-under score.

I putted well in my front-nine but not so in my back-nine. I hit lots of good shots except for maybe a couple of holes where I missed the targets.

I like the course even though it was raining this morning.

You have to adjust to different weather conditions when you play all over the world.

With the rain and wind this week, it’s all about adjusting and correcting the club face according to the wind directions.

When it was raining in the morning, you also have to hit it longer.

The toughest holes are 18 and seven. If you’re able to get pass these two holes, you’ll be okay.”