Putting is the key at Legacy, says reigning champ Jazz
Defending champion Jazz Janewattananond hopes to make up for the disappointment of missing the cut in Hong Kong last week by putting up a strong title defence worthy of his status at the Queen’s Cup, which tees off tomorrow.
Jazz, who turned 23 on Monday, won the Queen’s Cup at Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya in July for his second Asian Tour title.
The Thai has successfully defended his title before on the All Thailand Golf Tour, but this week will be the first time he will defend a title on the region’s premier tour.
This year, he has enjoyed one win and three top-10 finishes and only missed two cuts in his eight appearances at the Queen’s Cup.
This week’s US$500,000 Queen’s Cup, hosted by Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee, will take place at Legacy Golf Club in Bangkok.
Jazz will spearhead a star-studded 132man field with no fewer than 30 Asian Tour winners.
Jazz said: “It is my first time defending a title on the Asian Tour. It is a pretty weird feeling because I have never played on this course before. A lot of Thai golfers have an advantage this week because I know a lot of Thais practice here. It is good that this event is being held here so it gives a lot of the local boys a bit of an advantage to try and keep their cards for next year.
“This is a pretty scorable golf course, right in the middle of the city. The conditions are great and I think the key for this week will come down to putting.
“I went to see my coach a couple of weeks ago and have been making a lot of changes. Honestly last week I was just too focused on my swing changes and trying to settle into my new swing. I understand that practice takes time and tournament golf is the best practice you can have. So, I won’t put too much pressure on myself this week and follow the plan I have set for myself.”
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Park SangHyun will continue his chase for the Asian Tour Merit crown at the Queen’s Cup.
Placed second on the money list, Park is looking forward to closing the gap on leader Shubhankar Sharma of India who has opted not to play this week.
With only three events left and a winner’s prize purse of $90,000 on offer this week, Park will have everything to play for when he makes his debut appearance at the event.
Thongchai will assume responsibility of tournament host for the first time on the Asian Tour with the intention of drawing attention to his Jaidee Foundation.