World No.59 Kiradech Aphibarnrat has confirmed his participation in the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2017 tournament to be held at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Waterside from Dec 7-10.
The third edition of the annual event, co-sanctioned by the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) and Asian Development Tour (ADT), offers a total purse of four million baht with the winner taking home 700,000 baht.
The 144-player field features leading golfers and rising stars of Thailand and the region. Among them is three-time European Tour winner and former Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech, who is seeking his first win of the year.
"I try to win at least one tournament every year but I have not yet won this year. I will give my best in the remaining events," Kiradech told a press conference yesterday.
"I still have a few tournaments left to play this year, especially the Thongchai Jaidee and Boonchu Ruangkit events. I will try hard and put my heart and soul into it."
Although he has not yet won a title this year, the 28-year-old has enjoyed one of his best seasons.
He finished second at the European Tour's season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai this month and was 11th on the Race to Dubai ranking.
"I am very happy with my finish," said the country's top player, who has seven top-10 finishes this year.
"It was a good finish to the season with a runner-up spot [in Dubai]. I am satisfied with my overall performance this year."
Kiradech, who was joint 10th at last week's Hong Kong Open. will be approaching the Thongchai tournament with plenty of confidence as he won the inaugural edition two years ago.
Joining him at the scenic course next week are European Tour player Daniel Im, defending champion Chapchai Nirat, Thailand Open winner Rattanon Wannasrichan, Thanyakorn Khrongpha and Boonchu Ruangkit.
Three-time Asian Tour No.1 Thongchai, who launched his foundation in 2009 to help under-privileged golfers, is happy to see his tournament growing with the support of sponsors and fellow golfers.
"I am pleased. It is a good opportunity for up-and-coming players to gain experience by playing alongside some of the established names," he said.
With the leading five players on the ADT Oder of Merit earning Asian Tour cards for 2018, many Thais are hoping to move up the rankings.
