Lop Buri: Pannakorn Uthaipas is determined to put up a good showing to restore his much-needed confidence when he tees off at the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation tournament, which starts tomorrow.
The 28-year-old Thai, who was crowned the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champion in 2017, struggled to hit top form on the Asian Tour last season, missing 10 cuts in 20 starts to finish in 100th place on the money list.
Despite failing to keep his Asian Tour card for this year, Pannakorn remains hopeful that he can play his way back into the Asian Tour through the ADT, starting with the popular event this week where he enjoyed top-five results in the last two editions in 2016 and 2017.
Pannakorn will feature in a stellar 156-man field alongside reigning Order of Merit champion Miguel Carballo of Argentina, compatriots Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Nitithorn Thippong at the four-million baht event.
The event, hosted by Thai star Thongchai Jaidee in his home province, has not only attracted more than 35 ADT winners, but also Asian Tour champions who include Stephen Lewton of England, Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Mardan Mamat of Singapore.
Thai veterans Boonchu Ruangkit, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat, winner of the 2016 edition, have also pledged their support for Thongchai by playing in his event, which will be held for the first time at the 13th Military Circle Golf Course.
“I lost a lot of confidence last year after coming off a great season on the ADT where I won the Order of Merit. I think I put too much pressure on myself to do well,” said Pannakorn, who claimed his breakthrough at the Taifong Open in Taiwan two years ago.
“I have been going to the gym regularly now to work on gaining strength. With the work that I have put in, I think I am ready. I have always liked playing in Thongchai’s event because he knows what is best for the players and how to manage a tournament well."
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