Thongchai sets sights on Presidents Cup

Asian Tour hero Thongchai Jaidee hopes to play his way into the International Team for the Presidents Cup in October to complete a personal milestone of featuring in every major golf competition.

The Thai is currently one rung outside the automatic top-10 selection into captain Nick Price’s team to face the United States and has three more tournaments to qualify, starting with the final major of the year, next week’s PGA Championship.

‘‘I need to play well in my next three tournaments before the cut-off,’’ he said. ‘‘If I do, then I can get into the top 10. I don’t mind the pressure of trying to improve my 11th position.

‘‘If I can get in, it will be good for my country and Asia. It would also be something new in my career, I have played in every major championship, all the World Golf Championships events and also the World Cup.

‘‘However, if I play in the Presidents Cup, it would be something special in my career.’’

Currently ranked 58th in the world, Thongchai trails 10th-placed Tim Clark of South Africa by just 0.05 points in the rankings. He will also play in the Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland before defending his title at the Wales Open.

The cut-off for the top-10 selection is Sept 2, before the team captains will announce two wildcard picks.

‘‘I spoke to International Captain Nick Price during the US Open [in June],’’ Thongchai said. ‘‘He was encouraging me to keep playing well and to qualify for the team.’’