Pavit braced for new adventure
QUEENSTOWN: Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert is looking forward to a new experience when he heads to Queenstown for the New Zealand Open in a fortnight.
The 28-year-old, who earned his Asian Tour breakthrough in Macao in 2016, will be playing in New Zealand for the first time.
Apart from setting his sights on a second Tour win at the US$1.2 million which will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), the Thai is also excited to be playing against a spectacular backdrop that the event is going to offer.
“I can’t wait to get to New Zealand. This will be my first time playing there and I’ve heard so many good things about the country. I did a google search on Queenstown and saw so many fascinating and beautiful pictures online. I’m really excited about going there,” said the Thai.
Pavit rose through the Asian Development Tour (ADT) ranks where he won five times before going on to make his mark on the Asian Tour.
He reached a career high of 10th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2016 and is hoping to reach similar heights this season.
“It has been two years since my first Asian Tour victory in Macao and I’m hoping to win again. I know I have the game to do well and hopefully that I can put four good rounds together in New Zealand,” said Pavit.
The New Zealand Open will also incorporate a unique Pro-Am format which will be played with a two-ball best ball format. It is another unique experience where Pavit knows will create more hype for the event.
“I played in a similar format before at Dunhill Links where it’s good fun. So this will add another level of excitement for the event,” said Pavit.
More than 15 Asian Tour champions including 2016 Order of Merit winner Scott Hend of Australia are expected to contest at New Zealand’s premier golf tournament.
The 99th New Zealand Open will be played at Millbrook Resort and The Hills near Queenstown from March 1-4.