Phachara just wants to make cut at Hero Indian Open

BY CK ON March Thu, 2017 16:39

Young gun Phachara Khongwatmai hopes to just qualify for the final two days at the Hero Indian Open 2017 to tee off today at the yard DLF Golf and Country Club’s Gary Player course.

The 17-year-old Thai is the one to watch at the US$ 1.75 million event after enjoying two runner-up finishes already this year. However, the Hat Yai-born teenager said that he never put too much pressure on himself by thinking of winning the title.

“Like every tournament I play, I just want to make the cut,” said tournament debutant Phachara, who is now ranked third on the Asian Tour money list.

“I never go out in a tournament and think that I will win. But if I do win, it’s probably because I have gotten lucky.”

 The winner this week’s event, co-sanctioned by Asian Tour and European Tour, will take home US$ 291,660 (about 10.2 million baht).

Asked about the course condition of the 7,657-yard DLF Golf and Country Club’s Gary Player course, the young gun, ranked 152^ndin the world,  admitted to its toughness but said that it suits to his game.

“It’s a very good course. It is challenging in every hole and that is what I like.”

“I really like this golf course. I hit the ball high and the greens is quite firm.”

“Overall, it could be good for me.”

Phachara has become satisfied with his performance so far this year and it was almost perfect.

“ I find my game really good at the moment, short game, driving and hitting. It it all feels very good,” he said.

“Last year, I just put in more practices, and more fitness. I focused more on my short game. It’s nearly perfect.”

The Hat Yai native, who started playing golf at nine, said that he has idolized England’s former world no. 1 Luke Donald and Thai ace and world no. 60 Thongchai Jaidee.

“For Donald, I like his style and the way he swings and his short game. He is not a long hitter but he hits it straight.”

“I also want to be like Thongchai. Despite his age, he still plays good.”

In the first today, he will play alongside Jorge Campillo of Spain and Marcus Fraser of Australia.

Other Thais in this competitive field include Prayad Marksaeng, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thaworn Wiratchant, and Panuphol Pittayarat .

 

Veteran Prayad is in the company of compatriot  Jazz Janewattananond and Peter Uihlein of USA.  World no. 83 Kiradech is grouped with no. 26 Rafa Cabrera Bello of Spain and local hopeful Anirban Lahiri.