Kiradech to keep goals very simple
SOUTHAMPTON: Kiradech Aphibarnrat is keeping his goals realistic at the US Open, which begins at Shinnecock Hills today.
Famed for its demanding and tough scoring conditions, the 28-year-old Thai hopes to simply play in all four rounds at the year’s second major and finish in the top-30. Anything more would be a bonus.
“This is only my second US Open and we know this tournament is always very difficult. Anything inside the cut line, if I can make the top-30 on Sunday, it’ll be good for me,” said Kiradech, who missed the halfway cut in his debut in 2016.
Two impressive top-five finishes at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship and World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play have pushed Kiradech onto the brink of becoming the first Thai to earn a full PGA Tour card.
He also finished tied 30 at the Players Championship last month, and tied 13 at the Memorial Tournament two weeks ago.
The strong run of form has seen Kiradech earn 340 FedExCup points and a special temporary membership on the PGA Tour which now allows him to accept unlimited sponsor’s invitations for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.
He then needs to equal or better the 125th ranked golfer on the final FedExCup points standing this season to gain his card, which is expected to be around 365 points.
While getting onto the PGA Tour is his ultimate goal, the Thai is fully focused on the task ahead at Shinnecock Hills.
“I played nine holes each day over the last two days and the course looks fantastic. Everybody recognises that it’s always going to be a tough with high scores. But If you find plenty of fairways, you have a chance to hit it near the flags. But if you
make mistakes, it will hurt,” said Kiradech, a former Asian Tour No.1.
Although he missed the weekend play at last week’s St Jude Classic, which was only his second missed cut this year, the big-hitting Thai is pleased with his form.
“I actually hit it well but my putting was over my usual standard and I didn’t get it done. My game is in good shape,” said Kiradech, who will play the first two rounds with China’s Li Haotong and South Korea’s Kim Si-Woo.
“I’ve been sticking to my routine here and I’ve learned to not overdo things in big events. Just stay focused and stay calm. I’ve been playing good golf over the past few months.”