Thongchai’s World Ranking hopes still alive as He eyes Boonchu Ruangkit Championship

Thongchai Jaidee 1Sentosa, Singapore: Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee will have one last chance to battle his way into the world’s top-50 before the year’s over when he tees up for the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship next week.

Having failed to finish in 12th place or better at the recently concluded UBS Hong Kong Open, the Asian Development Tour (ADT) season-ending event offers Thongchai the ultimate hope to break into the top-50, which will pave his way in qualifying for all the Majors and World Golf Championships in 2017.

“I’ve one more week at the Boonchu Ruangkit championship and I hope to do well then. I’m going to take a rest at home but also spend some time at the gym to build up my physical fitness,” said Thongchai, who is currently ranked 52nd in the world.

The 2016 season has been memorable year for the decorated Thai star. He won the 100th Open de France in July and represented his country in the Olympics and the World Cup of Golf.

The 47-year-old was however plagued by his putting woes in Hong Kong which put a dent on his title ambitions and ranking hopes last week.

“My iron play was very solid as I didn’t miss too many fairways. But unfortunately my putting was not. I missed too many putts. It could have easily been a top-10 finish if I putted well,” said the three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, who finished tied for 14th in Hong Kong.

The Boonchu Ruangkit Championship will be held at the Rancho Charnvee Resorts & Country Club from December 22-25 and offers a prize purse of 3.5 million Baht (approximately US$100,000).