Phachara a rare diamond on Thai scene
Phachara Khongwatmai’s first name means “diamond” in Thai.
An apt name for the 19-year-old, who is indeed a raw diamond waiting to shine. And shine he certainly did.
The fearless Thai may be young, but he clearly knows how to play good, competitive golf since picking up the sport at the age of nine. When Phachara was 14, he became the youngest amateur player to win a professional tournament in the world.
While he may still be searching for a first victory on the Asian Tour, the young Thai has showed he is no pushover when it comes to the big stage.
At the Singapore Open last year, he showed he can match up to the big boys by finishing tied-second at the showpiece.
And a month later in Perth, the Thai exceeded all expectations when he defeated seasoned campaigners at the World Super 6 Perth before falling short to home favourite Brett Rumford in the final match-play showdown.
He has already featured in two British Opens in 2016 and 2017 and his performances has been a testament to his true golfing ability which belies his young age. Phachara confesses to be a funny guy.
Phachara looks up to Thongchai Jaidee as one of his heroes who has showed him what it means to be a champion.
Just like Thongchai, who has already achieved much success on the Asian Tour, Phachara could well be on his way to become a champion in his own right as he’s one of the Asian Tour’s “Tomorrow Stars Today.”