Bjorn sets sights on Hua Hin
HUA HIN: Thomas Bjorn wants to enhance his reputation as a worldwide winner when he tees up in the Thailand Classic this week.
The Dane has triumphed in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Africa, but would love to add a title in Southeast Asia to his impressive haul of 15 European Tour victories.
Co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours, the inaugural Thailand Classic will take place at Black Mountain Golf Club, and Bjorn is excited to see why so many Scandinavian professionals use the venue for their winter practice.
“There are a lot of European Tour players who have an association with Black Mountain, and the reports I have heard say that it is going to be a very strong venue, so I am looking forward to getting there and playing in the event,” said the 43-year-old.
“Every player wants to win every tournament they play in and I am no different. It would be great to get my name on the Thailand Classic trophy.”
With a prize fund of US$2 million, the Thailand Classic is the richest golf tournament in the kingdom and first European Tour event in the country since 2007.
Other European stars at the event include Spaniards Miguel Angel Jimenez and Alejandro Canizares, who was tied for third at the Malaysian Open on Sunday.
Jimenez won on his last visit to Thailand, claiming the 2004 Johnnie Walker Classic, and he is relishing returning to the country for the first time in more than a decade.
“I love playing in Asia,” said the 51-year-old, who recently won on the Champions Tour in the US. “When I saw that the Thailand Classic had been added to the European Tour schedule it was an event that I really wanted to play.
“This is a beautiful country and I am very much looking forward to visiting Hua Hin for the first time. Thai people are so incredibly friendly, kind and respectful and are always smiling.”
A number of Thai players will be hoping to give the spectators even more reason to cheer, and the home charge is led by sixtime European Tour winner Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat.