Prayad has high hopes for Open
Thai keen to make cut for likely swansong
SOUTHPORT: Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng hopes to produce his best outing at the British Open in what might be his swansong in the year’s third major tournament.
The 51-year-old is determined to make the cut at the Open for the first time in six appearances after struggling in the tricky weather conditions in the past.
Prayad is one of three Thais at this year’s Open along with 47-year-old Thongchai Jaidee and Phachara Khongwatmai, 18.
“I think this will be my last Open so I hope to make this my best memory,” said Prayad, a 10-time Asian Tour winner. “I’m getting older so I don’t think I have a chance to qualify for this tournament again.”
“During my practice rounds, the weather was perfect so if I have good weather during my round, I need to take advantage of it. It is normal when you play at the Open because every year the weather is bad,” he said.
Prayad played at Royal Birkdale in 2008 and even though the layout has not changed, he remembers how difficult it was to negotiate the course in the blustery conditions.
“I played here before but that time, I was still a young boy!” he said with a smile.
“The key is your tee shot. If you miss your shot, you will get into trouble. It will be tougher when the wind starts to blow.
“I played with Thongchai [Jaidee] in the practice round and he advised me to use more of my driver because I hit it straight. Obviously there are certain holes where I need to use a long iron so I have to plan my game.”
Phachara, who is 33 years younger than Prayad, believes his debut appearance at the Open last season has helped him in his preparations this year.
“I know the weather better now. I experienced the bad weather last year so I know what to expect. Thongchai and Prayad
have been helpful. They gave me suggestions on how to play certain holes so I feel more comfortable,” said Phachara whose name means “diamond” in Thai.
Phachara is not feeling any nerves despite being in the elite field and hopes to soak in the experience and memories of walking and playing alongside the stars of the game.
“I have no expectations this week. I’m just very happy to be here and I want to
enjoy every moment of it. It is not every day you get to play in a major tournament so I’m very grateful to be here,” said Phachara.
Phachara is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Thailand.
When he was 14, he won the Hua Hin Open as an amateur.
In the following year, he came into prominence when he won the 2015 PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship to become the youngest Asian Development
Tour winner at the age of 15.
Since then, Phachara has been close to winning his first Asian Tour title, finishing second in Singapore and at the World Super 6 Perth this year.
Meanwhile Thongchai hopes to rediscover his short game after working with a new coach.
The 47-year-old has teamed up with Pompetch Saraphuthi, who is former coach of Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and he believes the new partnership will give him an extra edge.
He is feeling good vibes ahead of his 11th appearance and is determined to better his best result at the Open in 2009 when he finished in a share of 13th place.
Thongchai will play in the opening two rounds alongside Paul Broadhurst of England and Roberto Castro of the US.
Phachara is grouped with American amateur Maverick McNealy and Stuart Manley of Britain.
Prayad is paired with KT Kim of South Korea and former world No.1 David Duval of the US.