Seongnam: Prom Meesawat will be looking to capitalise on his recent win and put up a strong performance at the 38th Maekyung Open, which gets underway tomorrow.
Coming off the back of his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory in Brunei on Sunday, the Thai star is brimming with confidence ahead of his campaign at the US$1.067 million event at the Namseoul Country Club.
The 34-year-old will also be spurred by good memories in his bid for a third Asian Tour title and a second one in South Korea this week. He claimed his maiden tour win in the country in 2006.
"It's always nice to return to a place where you had very good memories. I won my first Asian Tour title in Korea so it's nice to be back, although I have never had a good result at the Namseoul Country Club," said Prom, who is dubbed the Big Dolphin.
"But having said that, I'm hitting the ball well and putting well so I'm looking forward to put up a good result. Winning in Brunei definitely gave me a lot of confidence coming into the week.
"I'm happy with the season so far. I'm getting fitter, my body feels good and I feel ready to win tournaments! I am constantly working on my game as well. You need to be good in all aspects to win tournaments so I will keep working on that to stay consistent.
"I got the season off to a great start with a good result at the Singapore Open and then secured my spot at the [British] Open this July. I love playing under windy conditions and I enjoy playing links course. I am looking forward to playing at Royal Portrush."
Rising Thai player Danthai Boonma, who uncharacteristically missed the halfway cut last year, hopes to redeem himself with a fine performance at the fabled course, which is hosting the tournament for the 33th time this week.
Danthai, a one-time Asian Tour winner, is enjoying a brilliant run of form, having claimed two victories in Thailand and Japan recently.
He won the E-San Open on his local circuit in February and was triumphant on the Japan Challenge Tour two weeks ago.
"My recent victory on the Japan Challenge Tour has given me a lot of confidence. I feel that my form is getting more consistent this season. The shots I hit are steadier as well," he said.
"The only thing that I would like to improve is my putting and short game which is very important if you want to play well at Namseoul.
"There are many slopes out there and the greens are very challenging. I hope I can perform well this week."
Indian rookie Aadil Bedi is also raring to get his challenge underway as he hopes to cap a memorable Korean debut in the event jointly-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Korea Golf Association (KGA).
Buoyed by a third-place finish in Brunei last week, Austen Truslow of the US will ride high on his confidence as he acquaints himself with the country he has learnt much in school.
