Dallas: Kiradech Aphibarnrat returns to PGA Tour action at the AT&T Byron Nelson this week, eager to hit top form ahead of a busy stretch of tournaments culminating with the FedEx Cup play-offs in August.
The 29-year-old Thai took a month-long hiatus in Bangkok after finishing tied for 49th at last month's Masters to recuperate from a knee injury suffered during the second round at Augusta National.
After executing a recovery shot around some pine trees on the 17th hole, the Thai tumbled onto the ground and hurt his right knee.
"It's good to be back on the PGA Tour this week after my last start nearly a month ago. I played okay at Augusta National and suffered a slight knee injury. I've rested the knee over the past few weeks when I was back home and I'm ready to get back out to compete here," said Kiradech.
During his absence from the tour, Kiradech slipped eight rungs down to 72nd position on the FedEx Cup points list but is virtually assured of being in the first play-off event at the Northern Trust in New York in August.
Two top-four finishes at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in China and WGC-Mexico Championship have ensured Kiradech a solid first full season on the PGA Tour but he is unhappy with his inconsistency where he has not recorded another top-10 finish in 12 starts so far.
Playing on new golf courses have also been a steep learning curve for Kiradech, the first Thai to hold a full PGA Tour card. "In the next few weeks, I'm hoping to play more consistently which is important with so many top events coming up. I know my results have been mixed with some good finishes and some average results too," said Kiradech, who missed the cut in his only previous appearance at the AT&T Byron Nelson.
"Looking at my stats, my driving and iron play have not been the best and I'm working hard on trying to improve these areas of my game. Hopefully next season, I will get to know the golf courses a bit better too. This week's course is another good test but I feel fresh and ready to get going again."
At the back of Kiradech's mind is also his hopes of getting into the International Team for the Presidents Cup to face a Tiger Woods-led United States at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia from Dec 9-15.
He is currently 18th on the team points list, with the top-eight players after the BMW Championship earning automatic places in the International team led by Ernie Els who will have four captain's picks.
