Wanchai’s rule
After over a quarter of a century officiating on the Asian Tour, Thailand’s Wanchai Meechai has chosen to stepdown from his role as Senior Tournament Director, and referee on an event-by-event basis. We talked to him about his journey with the Asian Tour, and also got the back story about how his daughter Wichanee Meechai – currently playing on the LPGA Tour – started playing the game.
If you have been to an Asian Tour event, at some point over the past couple of decades, the chances are that you will have seen Wanchai Meechai on the course, keeping a watchful eye over proceedings.
“I have travelled to almost every event since starting all those years ago, and I’ve technically been with the Asian Tour for 26 years now,” said the 67-year-old, Senior Tournament Director on the Asian Tour, from his home in Bangkok this month, after announcing he plans to wind down his career with the Tour.
He uses the word “technically” because his introduction to the Tour was a gradual process.
CHON BURI-THAILAND- Asian Tour referee Wanchai Meechai of Thailand pictured at the Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2021 event at the Burapha Golf & Resort, Chon Buri, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Rules Rookie
The popular Thai was a Tour professional for five years – he turned professional in 1987 – before his friend Somchai Hiranpruek, an official on the local Thai Tour, refined his knowledge of the rules and also taught him how to set up a golf course for a professional tournament.
“After that I decided to become a rules official,” said Wanchai.
His big break came in 1995 when the Thailand Golf Association sent him to assist the Tournament Director, David Parkin, at the Asian PGA International – an Asian Tour event played at Sriracha Golf Club, near Pattaya.
“That was when I first met David Parkin, my first international teacher. He taught me how to set up the course, mark the course and, basically, how to do everything. It was very hands-on then. He made me learn by doing,” adds Wanchai.
He also started to work at Thai PGA events and his education and exposure to life on Tour was further enhanced when Khun Santi Bhirombhakdi, President of Singha Corporation – the long-standing main supporter of golf in Thailand – asked him to be a translator for the country’s top players such as: Boonchu Ruangkit, Thaworn Wiratchant, Chawalit Plaphol, Prayad Marksaeng, and Thammanoon Sriroj.
He says: “They could not speak English then, so I travelled with them and helped them with translation and assisted with whatever they needed, for a while.”
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand assisted by his caddy, Wanchai Meechai of Thailand, during a practice round at the Scotscraig Golf Club, Fife, Scotland. Jaidee will pre-qualify on Sunday July 16th for The Open Championship at St Andrews to be held in July 2000. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
It was not long before the Asian Tour regularly engaged his services as a rules official – something that Singha helped him with by assisting with expenses.
“David Parkin came to realise that I was a good assistant to him, so he hired me to work with him at the Asian Tour. I was working with him on an event basis and it was only in 2004 that I officially joined the Tour as a permanent staff. I am the first Thai professional to join the Asian Tour as a member of staff,” said Wanchai.
It was a landmark achievement for the popular Thai and, indeed, his country.
Globetrotting for golf
He says there have been many highlights along the way, not least the chance to travel and work at the biggest tournaments in the game.
“I think the most memorable moments in my career were my experiences at Augusta. I was very lucky to be there for The Masters Tournament three times. I felt very proud to be representing the Asian Tour there,” he said.
He also went to The Open on four occasions, The US Open once, and the PGA Championship at Wentworth six times.
LYTHAM ST ANNES, ENGLAND – JULY 21: Asian Tour rules official Wanchai Meechai of Thailand on the 1st tee pictured on day three of the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes on July 21, 2012 in Lytham St Annes, England. (Photo by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images)
“I had the chance to go to Switzerland as well. I think I made seven to eight trips there for the Omega European Masters. It’s really beautiful and I must say it’s my favourite amongst the places I have travelled to so far. Even though I didn’t venture out of the course!” he adds.
“I also got to see snow for the first time in Arizona, when we were there for a WGC event. The weatherman suddenly said it might snow. No one was prepared for it. I remember I was on the course without any winter gear on! The buggy I was on did not have roof as well. It was so cold. It’s funny now thinking back about it.”
DUBLIN, OH – OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Wanchai Meechai and Brendan de Jonge of the International Team
on the first hole during the Final Round Singles Matches of The Presidents Cup at the Muirfield Village Golf Club on October 6, 2013 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR)
Proud Father
While life as an Asian Tour official was all consuming, there was also another very big part of his life that was to also make a significant impression on planet golf: his daughter Wichanee.
“I took both my daughters (Wannisa and Wichanee) to practice at the Army course when they were about eight to nine years-old. I bought a set of clubs for both of them and made them practice but they were not very interested. They would hit two to three balls and then went to eat. I eventually gave up after a while as I thought they were not interested. I told them it’s not going to work out and asked them to go back to their studies,” said Wanchai.
CARLSBAD, CA – MARCH 23: Wichanee Meechai of Thailand plays during the practice round for the KIA Classic at the Aviara Golf Club on March 23, 2021 in Carlsbad, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Game over it appeared, but not quite.
He adds: “They were fine with it. My elder daughter (Wannisa) was very good with her studies. My younger one (Wichanee) was good as well but the elder one was better. To my surprise, when Wichanee was around 14 years old, she came to me and said she wanted to play golf.”
He told her that if she wanted to play golf, she must follow his instructions to the T … and the tee.
Wanchai with his daughters Wichanee (left) and Wanissa (right) (Courtesy of Wanchai Meechai)
Wanchai wasted no time in capitalizing on his daughter’s sudden interest in the game and took her out from a normal school and sent her to a special college where she could study two days a week and play golf and practice the other days. And while he coached her in the beginning he soon felt it best for her to see a “proper coach”.
“I said: ‘Don’t tell me you’re not good. If you’re not good, go and practice’. This is what I always told her. She had very good self-discipline. I never had to wake her up to practice or exercise. She knows what she has to do. Every morning, she would go to exercise and practice by herself,” commented Wanchai.
Wichanee also trained at Thongchai Jaidee’s academy and shortly after turning professional, when she was 19 years old, she won her first event on the Thai LPGA, and later claimed titles in China, the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.
And of course since 2017, she has been a regular on the LPGA Tour, gradually making her mark there with three top-10 finishes to date and with more expected from the 28-year-old.
CHON BURI-THAILAND- L-R Thongchai Jaidee, Boonchu Ruangkit and Asian Tour referee Wanchai Meechai of Thailand pictured at the Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2021 event at the Burapha Golf & Resort, Chon Buri, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Super Senior
While Wichanee continues to work hard on building her career, her father has plans for the next chapter of his life.
“I’m going into a semi-retirement now but actually, I am still fit. I went for a heart bypass last year but I’ve recovered and I’m well now. I will still work for the Asian Tour on an event-by-event basis. I am just no longer a permanent staff with the Tour,” said Wanchai.
He also wants to spend time helping to promote women’s golf in Thailand as he says although the country has so many great players, he feels there could be many more.
And having watched so much golf overs the years, and seen his daughter hit the big-time, he still has that itch, the competitive one, to get out and play.
CHON BURI-THAILAND- Asian Tour referee Wanchai Meechai of Thailand pictured at the Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2021 event at the Burapha Golf & Resort, Chon Buri, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
“I went to play on the Thai Champions Tour. They have a super senior category. It was great to be back playing competitively. I really enjoyed it. I get to see all my old friends and get to talk to them.
“Just last week, I met Boonchu, Thongchai, Thaworn, Prayad at the event. I know I can’t beat them but it was fun. I am looking forward to the next one.”
CHON BURI-THAILAND- L-R – Thaworn Wiratchant, Thongchai Jaidee, Asian Tour referee Wanchai Meechai. Prayad Marksaeng and Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand pictured at the Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2021 event at the Burapha Golf & Resort, Chon Buri, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama won The Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday to become the first player from his country to win a men’s Major championship.
The 29-year-old finished a shot ahead of American rookie Will Zalatoris, after carding a final-round one-over-par 73 for a tournament total of 10-under.
He also became only the second Asian-born player to triumph in a Major – after Korean YE Yang’s victory in the 2009 US PGA Championship.
Matsuyama started the final day with a four-stroke advantage over four golfers — England’s Justin Rose, Australia’s Marc Leishman and Americans Xander Schauffele and Zalatoris.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
He survived some mistakes late on, and a challenge from Schauffele, to claim the Green Jacket in thrilling circumstances.
Schauffele fired four straight birdies before his bid for honours ended with a triple-bogey on the par-three 16th.
“I felt nervous from the start of the day and right through until the end,” said Matsuyama.
“I was thinking about [my family] all the way around. I’m really happy I was able to play well for them.”
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan hugs his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, on the 18th green after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
He recovered from a bogey on the first with birdies on the second, eighth and ninth. He then extended his lead to six on the back nine, but he gave Schauffele some hope when he found water going for the green in two on the par-five 15th.
After Schauffele’s fourth straight birdie, the lead was down to two shots with three to play, but the American’s charge came to an end on the 16th hole.
Matsuyama found a greenside bunker on the 18th, but splashed out to give himself two putts to win the title.
“Hopefully I’ll be a pioneer and many other Japanese will follow,” said the Japanese star, the winner of five titles on the PGA Tour and eight on the Japan Golf Tour Organization.
Korean KJ Choi may have just fallen short of winning a Major but his performances in The Masters Tournament, which tees-off at Augusta National Golf Club tomorrow, were an inspiration to Asian golfers and paved the way for players from that continent to continue where he left off. We look back at the two memorable Masters that could have easily seen the Korean don on a Green Jacket.
When Korean Sungjae Im tied for second in last year’s Masters, five shots behind American Dustin Johnson, there was no doubt the result – the best finish by an Asian at Augusta National Golf Club – had its genesis in the genius of his illustrious compatriot KJ Choi.
Choi, much to the disappointment of millions of his fans, never won a Major but he went further than any other Asian had gone before in the Majors by finishing in the top-10 on six occasions. He was a pathfinder for Asian golf and his lack of silverware in the Majors was compensated for by eight victories on the PGA Tour – most notably The Players Championship in 2011.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 11: Ernie Els of South Africa chats with K.J. Choi of Korea on the 12th tee during the final round of the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2004 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
And although his friend and countryman YE Yang spoilt the party at the Choi hacienda by becoming the first Asian to win a Major, when he triumphed in the 2009 US PGA Championship, it was Choi’s results in the Majors there were perhaps the greatest inspiration for players from the Far East.
To be more specific, it was his heroic play in the Masters that acted as a beacon of hope for the next generation.
Most notably, it was his third-place finish in the Masters in 2004 and equal-fourth placing in 2010 that will be long remembered.
AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES: K.J. Choi of Korea tips his hat on the 11th fairway after after his eagle during final round action of the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club 11 April 2004 in Augusta, GA. Choi started the round at 3 under par. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)
EAGLE SEASON
In 2004, Choi had Asian fans on the edge of their seats when he shot 31 on the back-nine on Sunday to finish three shots behind American Phil Mickelson. South African Ernie Els claimed second, one behind the winner.
Choi, playing with Els, began the final round three shots off the lead and struggled on the front nine with two bogeys, making the turn in 38. But a pure five-iron on the 11th – the third most difficult hole of the week – changed everything for the Korean.
His ball rolled straight into the cup for an eagle, only the third eagle on 11 in Masters history.
Choi, 33 at the time, then closed with birdies on 13, 14 and 16 to shoot 69 and record his career-best performance in a Major.
A remarkable performance considering he made his debut in the event a year earlier, finishing in a for 15th, demonstrating his immediate affinity for the tournament.
“More years, more experience, more comfortable,” said Choi at the time, who opened with a front-nine 30 on Friday to tie a course record.
The six-time Asian Tour winner added: “This is going to help me positively with my swing and the development of my game.”
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 08: Tiger Woods (R) plays his tee shot on the first hole as K.J. Choi of Korea (L) and a gallery of fans look on during the first round of the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
TIGER WATCH
Six years later Choi again came close to claiming the year’s first Major.
Starting the day four strokes behind overnight leader Lee Westwood from England, he briefly joined Mickelson in a share of the lead with eight holes to play before slipping back with bogeys on 13 and 14.
He retaliated back with a birdie at the 15th but that was where the rally ended. He returned a 69 to finish in a tie for fourth with American Tiger Woods, five shots adrift of Mickelson, who claimed his third Green Jacket.
Choi fittingly summed up what the result really meant: “In the past … the mindset of the Asian players was that when it comes to the Masters, there was a fear factor there, that we can’t do it.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 08: KJ Choi of South Korea (L) shakes hands with Tiger Woods on the 18th green during the first round of the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“Now I hope that this gives motivation for the younger players, other players, that they can do it at big tournaments like the Masters.”
Choi had the added pressure of partnering Woods for all four rounds as the world number one made his return after admitting to a string of extra-marital affairs.
“It was exciting like 2004, but only this year I think it was, on a personal level, it was better for me because my playing level has improved a lot compared to 2004,” said Choi.
“I think it was more gratifying for me this year and the fans were very supportive and just playing with Tiger for the last four days it was a very good experience for me.”
Choi will not be playing in the Masters this year but four Asians will be competing: Im, Chinese-Taipei’s CT Pan, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, and Korean Siwoo Kim.
Pan thrilled his army of fans back home by finishing equal seventh last year; Matsuyama enjoyed a best finish of fifth in 2015; while Kim was tied 21st in 2019.
All performances that suggest more is to come from Asia’s current generation of golfers this week; all performances that pay homage to KJ Choi, arguably, the architect of their success.
India’s Anirban Lahiri could finally put a smile back on his face and breathe a sigh of relief after months of struggles on the golf course.
After knocking in a closing birdie on the last at TPC San Antonio, the 33-year-old signed for a 3-under 69 to post his best finish of the season on the PGA TOUR with a fifth place finish at the Valero Texas Open on Sunday. His 10-under 278 total was some eight shots behind winner Jordan Spieth but the margin wasn’t a concern to Lahiri at all.
He made birdies on three of the four par-5s, including a five-footer on the last and earned 110 FedExCup points to move from 125th to 94th on the latest standings which enhanced his hopes of qualifying for the lucrative Playoffs in August.
Starting the day five back of co-leaders Spieth and Matt Wallace, the former Asian No. 1 put a stop to a poor run of form where he has missed five cuts from seven starts this year with some wonderful ball striking. All the hard work put in at the practice range in recent weeks has finally paid off, but Lahiri knows there is still plenty of work ahead if he is to eventually win on the PGA TOUR.
“I didn’t quite get into the hunt … there was too much separation between the leader group and the rest of us. I think overall through the week, I didn’t convert as many of my opportunities. I definitely hit the ball good enough to contend and maybe win but my bunker play and my short game, and putting from mid-range to short range was below par,” said Lahiri.
“Those are the things that I need to work on. I’ve put a lot of work in the full swing and ball striking in the last month or so, and to see that working and holding up under pressure is very pleasing. Overall, it was a great week for me. I’m very happy with how I kept my composure and kind of stuck to what I needed to do. It was one of those weeks that I could have done a lot more but I’d rather build on this and work on some of the areas where I came up short on.”
Prior to the week, Lahiri ranked a lowly 150th in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green but he has worked hard on his swing which he said needed some “simplifying”. He ranked 25thin the Tee to Green stat category this week. With his coach Vijay Divecha scheduled to visit Lahiri in the U.S. soon, there is plenty for him to look forward to as the TOUR approaches the business end of the season.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – APRIL 03: Anirban Lahiri of India plays his shot from the 14th tee during the third round of Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio Oaks Course on April 03, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
“I gave myself a lot of good looks. The first day, I was guilty of not hitting it quite as close. The second day, I missed lots of opportunities, and could have shot 5 to 6-under. Third round, I hit it even better than I hit it today. I felt like if I was scoring better, I could have shot a few 5, 6, 7 under and that was the difference in the end,” said Lahiri.
“I need to clean up on some of the areas like I chipping and bunker play which has been my strength. I’ll go back to the drawing board and spend time getting more confidence in those areas and also in my mid-range and short range putts. I’ve done well outside of 15 feet but not done well inside of 12 feet. Those are the areas that I’ll be working on and hopefully get better in time to come.”
Korea’s Si Woo Kim closed with a 70 to finish T23 on 284 alongside countryman K.H. Lee while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and veteran K.J. Choi were a further stroke back in a share of 30th place.
Spieth, 27, claimed his 12th PGA TOUR victory following a final round 66. It has been 1,351 days, and 83 starts on the PGA TOUR from his last victory at the 2017 Open Championship. “I feel grateful,” Spieth said. “It’s been a road that’s had a lot of tough days. It kind of bounces off and on right now when it hits me that I’m back in the winner’s circle. I’ve had people in my corner that have always believed in me, even when I’ve kind of believed less in myself.”
With an unprecedented 18 Asian Tour wins and over 30 professional titles in total under his belt, Thai legend Thaworn Wiratchant is still continuously building on his legacy.
Just last week, at age of 54, he impressively notched another victory on the Thailand Champions Tour after winning by two shots over fellow veteran Prayad Marksaeng, in Pattaya.
CHON BURI-THAILAND- Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand pictured at the Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2021 event at the Burapha Golf & Resort, Chon Buri, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
And, last July, the master of the unorthodox swing even held off the young guns on home soil to win the event hosted by Thongchai Jaidee, for his eighth title on the All Thailand Golf Tour.
Last week marked the 16th anniversary of arguably the biggest victory of his career at the Indonesia Open – his only triumph in an event joint sanctioned by the Asia and European Tours – Thaworn shares the secret to his long-term success and how he feels about the mark he is leaving in Asian golf, following his 34 years in professional golf.
1) How have you been during the pandemic? Where were you and did you play golf?
During the pandemic, I renovated my house and I built another golf practice room because the driving range was closed during lockdown. I have a golf simulator, a putting area and a fitness corner set up in that room.
2) You won Thongchai’s event last year. What is the secret to your ability to keep winning as you get older? Special diet, special workout?
What I did 10-15 years ago, I still do the same today. I may have some regression, but I keep working out and practicing the same. When I was young, I wanted to be successful, so discipline and consistency in practicing is very important for me. This is a career. If we are more diligent than others, we will play better than anyone else. It’s a lot more about skill than luck.
3) At the start of your career on the Asian Tour, did you ever think you would win a record 18 titles?
I did not think about that. The first time I joined the Asian Tour, I could not even make the cut. I never thought I would come this far. However, there were not too many players in the Asian Tour at that time, so I could keep the card. Although I was a two-time Order of Merit winner, I could not get many sponsors. It was fortunate that I had a main sponsor and especially Thai golfers have been supported long-term by Boonrawd Brewery (Singha Corporation). The players are looked after by Singha even after they are done with their playing careers. Although I have not got income from other sponsors, I collected money from my performances. Diligence is the key to my success.
4) What do you consider your greatest win?
I won my first Asian Tour title at the 1996 Sabah Masters. I remember it was the day Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromrajajonani (Thai Royal Grandmother) passed away. I heard about her passing just before I teed off, so I prayed to her that I want to win. I wanted to do something proud for my country. I wanted to bring the trophy back to Thailand.
After I won my first title, I just felt like I could win more. But then I waited a long time to win again, which was in 2001. At that time, I knew my skill was not good enough and I did not practice enough. There were lots of great golfers out there but I knew my time would come. So I just kept practicing to make myself a better player.
5) Do you think it was your amazing short game that helped you win so many times or was it more your mental strength?
Not at all, it depends on practicing. If you want to have a good short game, it requires practicing and imagination. Imagine a golf ball being hit the right distance, height, and with the correct amount of spin. But I cannot advise you because you have to find out yourself.
CHON BURI-THAILAND- Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand pictured at the Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2021 event at the Burapha Golf & Resort, Chon Buri, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
6) Who was your golfing idol growing up?
When I was a national player, my idol was Tom Watson. I also like Jack Niklaus. They are legends. In Thailand, my idol is Boonchu Ruangkit who was my golf mentor as well. Not many people know that he taught me when I worked at the Royal Army Golf Course. At that time, he was a national player, he practiced at the Royal Army Golf Course. When he took a break from practicing, he would give me advice as well. When he turned pro, I would caddy for him whenever he came to play golf at the Royal Army Golf Course.
7) What are your plans and objectives in the future?
I still want to keep playing. I also look forward to playing in Japan and Europe again on the Senior Tours.
8) When do you think you will stop playing and retire?
I have not thought about this yet. I still enjoy playing. Although playing with young players is hard and it’s tiring to try to make cut, I still enjoy playing every time. Also, there are senior events to play so I am still having a lot of fun on the course.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA-THAILAND – Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand pictured at the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship 2021, Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, March 4-7, 2021. The THB 4.000.000 event is part of the All Thailand Golf Tour schedule.
9) Will you host an event yourself like Boonchu and Thongchai?
Many people have asked me about this but I will have to discuss with my main sponsor, Boonrawd Brewery first. Many people have shown their support that I can host my own event. But to me, it’s a fifty-fifty chance. It’s not easy organizing a tournament.
10) Who are the young Thai players coming through now who you think are the best?
There are many young talent players such as Gunn Charoenkul, Danthai Boonma, Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Sadom Kaewkanjana. It’s difficult to say who is the best. They all have similar skills and have their own way of practising.
Most players on the Asian Tour think that Thai golfers are strong. There are always three to four Thais in every top-10. I admit that Thai golfers are very good and fortunate because we have many tournaments to play here in Thailand. These tournaments allow Thai players to sharpen their skills and gain playing experience. However, you will have to stay disciplined and ensure consistency in practicing. If you are diligent, you will go a long way.
Two-time Asian Tour winner Justin Harding returned to the winner’s circle at the weekend when he triumphed in the Magical Kenya Open presented by Johnnie Walker, on the European Tour.
The South African beat American Kurt Kitayama, also an Asian Tour champion, by two shots at Karen Country Club.
Harding had started the final day two ahead and was never caught, going on to card a bogey-free 66 to finish at 21 under.
Harding and Kitayama congratulate each other on the final day (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Playing partner Kitayama briefly cut Harding’s advantage to one as he carded two eagles in a 66 of his own, but Harding stayed in control and earned a sixth worldwide victory in three years.
Harding hit the headlines when he won twice on the Asian Tour in July of 2018, at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open and the Royal Cup in Thailand. The following season he also claimed his first title on the European Tour at the Qatar Masters, but struggled with his game after that.
“I went through such a good run in 2019 when it felt like I never actually played badly,” said the 35 year old. “Getting over the line in Qatar was, it sounds a bit strange now, but it was almost like something that was going to happen.
“I’ve been through a dip in form in terms of mixed results and it was nice to get over the line this time around. Winning isn’t everything but I think being in the winner’s circle again means a little more to me than I actually thought it did.
“Ultimately, I just hope that I can kick on and it would be nice if I could go on a run like I did in 2018/2019 but who knows? Maybe I do it, maybe I don’t. We’ve just got to keep giving ourselves some chances.”
Harding celebrates the win on the 18th green (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Harding and Kitayama went head-to-head in the final group at the 2018 Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open – with the American prevailing on that occasion, in an event jointly-sanctioned by Europe and Asia.
“Kurt’s an unbelievable competitor,” he said. “I got him back for Mauritius.”
It was indeed an excellent week for Asian Tour members: Australian Scott Hend – a 10-time winner on the Asian Tour – was tied for second after the third round and eventually finished equal 16th with Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar.
In-form Bhullar finished joint runner-up in the previous week’s Qatar Masters.
Thailand’s brilliant young star Phachara Khongwatmai has described his triumph in the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship – achieved on this very day in 2015 – as being “like the first step to improve my game”.
He claimed the Asian Development Tour event by the comfortable margin of four strokes at the Rahman Putra Golf and Country Club in Malaysia, to secure his first regional title as a professional.
“It is a very good memory and it’s like the first step for me to improve my game,” said the 21-year-old Phachara, speaking from his home in Thailand last week.
“At that time I was young and didn’t think too much while I was playing. My game was aggressive. I enjoyed traveling on the Tour with friends. I was an easy-going person like a normal teenager. But now I am older and changed my perspectives with more careful planning.”
PATTAYA, THAILAND – DECEMBER 20: Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand pictured in action at Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club on December 20, 2019 in Pattaya, Thailand. (Photo by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour/Getty Images)
The win was part of a phenomenal start to his career, coming just two years after he had tasted victory in the Singha Hua Hin Open in Thailand as a 14-year-old amateur.
He adds: “At that time [at the Singha Hua Hin Open] I was very young. I remember that I played without thinking of the result. After the second round, I was on top of the leaderboard, then after the third round I heard someone say that I’m a new golfer and I wouldn’t win. To be honest, during that time I didn’t think about the title. I just wanted to go out and play, enjoy and have fun. I didn’t think about the trophy.”
He says winning that event was a turning point and he decided to turn professional straight after.
“I discussed it with my parents and made plans for my life and which way to go. They did not force me and let me to decide. They have always supported me,” says the Thai.
Phacahara also won the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, on the Asian Development Tour, in Thailand later in 2015 to further enhance his status as the region’s most exciting young player.
Surprisingly, the gifted golfer has yet to win on the Asian Tour and has been a runner-up on six occasions.
But a victory in the 2019 GolfSixes Cascais – an unofficial money ranking team event on the European Tour – with Thongchai Jaidee once again showed he is on the cusp of winning at the top level.
CASCAIS, PORTUGAL: Thongchai Jaidee and Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand celebrate victory with the trophy during Day Two of the GolfSixes at Oitavos Dunes on June 08, 2019 in Cascais, Portugal. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Despite the lack of silverware Phachara is upbeat and biding his time.
He says: “I never get discouraged and enjoy playing golf every time. It feels good to go out for a competition. However, I am still aiming to win on the Asian Tour and I think I have a chance to win in the future.”
A minor car crash recently, that left him with stitches in his mouth, meant he had to take a short break from the game but he is expected to defend his Singha Esan Open title on the All Thailand Golf Tour later next month.
His win in that event last year was his fifth on home soil.
“To win the Singha Esan Open in February last year was a great feeling. It felt really good to win after a while. At that time my golf game was very good. Although it’s not an international title, it’s a very good feeling to win at home.”
Thailand’s Poom Pattaropong claimed the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship two weeks ago, but there is always another winner there every year and that is the great man himself, Boonchu Ruangkit. We spoke to the five-time Asian Tour winner, and two-time Thailand Open champion, that week about his popular event – which is hosted on the All Thailand Golf Tour and normally co-sanctioned with the Asian Development Tour, except during seasons when coronavirus is prevalent.
How have you been during the pandemic, where were you, and did you play golf?
I have lived in Bangkok and Khao Yai (in Nakhon Ratchasima province). If the situation was not so good, I would stay in Khao Yai. Friends would come to visit me there and we played golf together very often.
Tournament host Boonchu Ruangkit in relaxed mode during a busy week. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
You must have been very relieved that you can stage your event this year and last year?
My tournament was postponed twice because of coronavirus. Today, I am extremely happy that I have done as I promised to the players. I remain committed to nurturing the future generation of Thailand’s professional golfers but admit that the COVID-19 crisis made this year’s edition the most challenging to organise.
Why did you first start the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship?
Thailand’s senior golfers have moved on to become legends, so we have to build the new generation. We should have tournaments for them to gain experience, help their income and give them the chance to attend international tournaments on the Asian Tour and Japan Tour.
My tournament is organised to allow young Thai players to sharpen their skills and pursue their careers on the international stage. I believe that our golfers are second to none and it is very important that we have an appropriate development programme for them, as well as a wealth of tournaments.
LPGA star Ariya Jutanugarn was in attendance. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
How happy have you been with the event’s progress?
The progress has been excellent and I am very happy with what we have achieved so far. I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support this year, and every year. This year was particularly exciting as for the first time we had four women professional golfers and some celebrities attend the event. It certainly added some colour to the tournament, especially seeing the women compete with the male golfers; this would have been a great experience for them.
What have been the highlights for you over the years about your event?
Importantly, we have worked hard to make sure the tournament is international standard. You will see a players’ lounge, a LED display on the 18th green, and of course it is broadcast live on television and it is streamed live.
We want to ensure our players compete in an environment that is the same as when they play overseas. This will help them be more comfortable and confident when they compete in other countries.
My tournament can serve as a springboard for Thais to play in the global arena.
And of course, it has been great that the top players from Thailand complete in my event every year.
Boonchu said this year’s event was the most stressful edition. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
What are your long-term plans for the event?
We will have to see what happens with coronavirus, but we are confident the situation will improve.
I still want to make the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship an event where senior and young players can meet each other every year. It is a special situation.
However, much also depends on the continued support from our sponsors.
Is it hard work staging your own event?
It’s harder and harder to organise the tournament every year. This year it’s been really hard work, because of the coronavirus crisis. This year we had less sponsors compared with the previous year, but it is understandable in this climate especially for sponsors in sectors hardest hit. It has been a challenge, but we have been very determined to keep going.
During your playing career what do you think your greatest achievements were?
Every tournament was important for me and I did my best every time. Also, being the president of the Thailand PGA Tour and helping the development of professional golf in Thailand makes me very proud. It is very rewarding to play a part in helping golfers, especially the youngsters, to play and develop their skills.
All precautions were taken to make sure the event was safe from COVID-19. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.
Do you miss those playing days?
Yes, I miss those playing days. When I see young golfers playing on the tour, I would like to join them but I’m too old now. Now I’m looking forward to playing on the Senior Tour in Thailand soon.
What was the secret to your great success when playing and winning?
Sponsors have been the secret to my career success. I would like to thank them for the support. They are behind my success. I would never be the person I am today without them.
On this day 15 years ago, Singapore witnessed the greatest achievement by one of its golfers when Mardan Mamat claimed the OSIM Singapore Masters at Laguna National Golf and Country Club. We spoke to Mardan this week about that memorable victory.
Mardan Mamat is a man of many firsts. He was the first Singaporean to compete in The Open championship, when he successfully qualified in 1997, and his success in the Indian Open in 2004 meant he became the first player from his country to win on the Asian Tour.
To date he has tasted victory on the Asian Tour five times and has played in the World Cup on five occasions, among countless other achievements.
Mardan is congratulated by Dougherty after their final round battle. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
But it is his win in the OSIM Singapore Masters in 2006 that he is best known for as the event was jointly sanctioned by the European Tour and Asian Tour.
He was thrust forward into the international spotlight as he became the first player from the Lion City to win on the elite European Tour; and, he became a national hero.
“I can’t believe it’s been 15 years! Time flies,” said Mardan, having just played a practice round at Changi Golf Club, ahead of a local event there next week.
“It was an incredible victory and one I will never forget.”
He created history when he held off the defending champion Nick Dougherty of England for a one-stroke win.
A final round of 71, one under par, saw Mardan finish on 12-under-par 276 and complete an astonishing and emotional wire-to-wire victory.
Mardan celebrates winning with his daughter Syahira, son Syirham and brother Mazlan. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
It earned Mardan, who was 38 years old at the time, a cheque for €138,560 and a two-year exemption to the European Tour.
“We had been practicing a lot on the course before the event and my short game was particularly good – which was a big reason why I won,” he said.
It was a behemoth and brave win as he had to hold off a late and daring challenge from Dougherty – the 23-year-old rising star of European golf.
Mardan started the final day one clear of Dougherty and when the Englishman fell back with three dropped shots on the front nine, it appeared Mardan would coast to victory.
But, as expected, Dougherty clawed his way back into contention with some gutsy play over the back nine. He birdied the 11th but remained three behind with four to play. And a magnificent second shot then left Dougherty with a 10-foot eagle putt on 15 but the putt refused to drop and Mardan got up and down to bravely match his birdie.
Dougherty then birdied the 16th to move within two as they walked to the par-three 17th – the most difficult hole on the course. Both players missed the green but saved par, leaving Mardan two clear playing the last.
“My main goal on the back nine, that day, was to make sure I had a two-shot lead playing the final hole,” adds Mardan.
It proved to be an excellent strategy as Dougherty applied pressure by making birdie on the last.
“I hit a good drive and a wedge in on 18 but my approach went over the back. I managed to chip it very close and hole out. It was what I had dreamed of, to win a big event in Singapore, especially a European Tour co-sanctioned tournament,” said Mardan, who was roared on all the way at Laguna by large and unprecedented crowds.
“It was a very big achievement in my life. Things went my way. And I hoped it inspired all young Singaporeans to achieve what I achieved. It was such a good feeling that I cannot express it.”
Mardan plays his tee shot on the ninth hole during the third round. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
“It just all went horribly wrong for me on the front nine,” said Dougherty. “I fought back well but it was not enough in the end. Mardan finished off very well. It is tough to hold off a bunch of us and I think he did himself proud today.”
Mardan’s win completed an incredible journey from humble origins, and the very definition of golf at grass roots level.
As a kid he had caddied at Jurong Country Club with his brother Mazlan. And it was there that he learned to play the game, using an old six iron.
It was not until he was 15, in 1982, that he got his first full set and by the time he was 18 he was a 12 handicapper.
Thanks to an exemplary work ethic he was off scratch by the age of 22 and he was soon playing for the Singapore national team in the biggest amateur tournaments in the game.
It was a remarkable rise embellished by four fantastic days at the OSIM Singapore Masters in 2006.
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