Veerman faces daunting task at Royal Cup
PATTAYA: American Johannes Veerman is ready for another shot at glory when the Royal Cup gets underway at the Phoenix Golf and Country Club next week.
Having enjoyed three consecutive top-10s in his last three starts, Veerman is confident of mounting a strong challenge at the US$500,000 event.
The 26-year-old American will face stiff competition from a host of strong Asian Tour stars including defending champion Shiv Kapur of India and compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar who has been knocking on the door for his ninth Asian Tour victory, having finished second twice in his last six starts.
Also in the field are Thai stars Phachara Khongwatmai, Prom Meesawat and Panuphol Pittayarat, and newly-crowned Asian Tour winners American John Catlin, South Africa’s Justin Harding and Sweden’s Malcolm Kokocinski.
After getting off to a slow start in his 2018 season where he missed the cut in eight of his first 11 tournaments, things started to click for Veerman at the end of June when he enjoyed his first top-10 finish in Thailand.
With signs of a resurgent in form, the American has vowed to stay patient in his pursuit of a maiden Asian Tour victory.
“I am approaching this tournament with confidence but not arrogance. Golf is a very humbling game, I know I am playing well but a lot of players are in form too. Gaganjeet for example is playing well too so I know I will have my work cut out for me next week.
“But if I just stick to my game plan and take it one shot at a time, I don’t see why I can’t have another strong finish,” said Veerman who finished 24th on the Order of Merit in 2017 to keep his tour card for 2018.
Veerman, who got married at the end of May, will enjoy the company of his wife Angela on his bag yet again as he returns to the land of smiles.
“I actually have fun playing golf when she is around and I can be relaxed but stay competitive. She has been awesome and I love having her around,” said Veerman.
The event is being held in conjunction with the 66th birthday celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodin-dradebayavarangkun on July 28.