The two-time Malaysian Open champion and captain of Team Asia at the inaugural EurAsia Cup is no stranger to Malaysia, which he regards as his “second home”. As one of only three players ever to win back-to-back Malaysian Open titles which he achieved in 2004 and 2005, Thongchai is looking forward to once again challenge the star-studded field in celebration of Maybank’s 10th year as title sponsor of the national Open.
Thongchai started his professional career at the age of 30 but after winning the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit two years later, he created history by becoming the first Thai to play in all four rounds at the US Open in 2001.
Although he failed to get his US PGA Tour Card in 2003, he never looked back as it was the year that saw his initiation into playing in Europe. He became the first-ever Thai to compete in all four rounds at the British Open at St Andrews in 2005 and became the second Thai to play in the US Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in 2006 although he missed the cut.
This year, the 45-year-old won the Nordea Masters in Sweden after a dramatic three-man playoff following an impressive final round of 65. He now has 15 victories under his belt, including two in Europe.
A favourite with the Malaysian crowd, Thongchai will have many supporters urging him to become only the second player to win the Malaysian Open three times. Australian Terry Gale achieved the feat in 1983, 1985 and 1987.
The Asian captain will join a stellar cast of 156 players, including 22 Malaysians, from the Asian Tour and European Tour.
-thestar online.
http://www.maybankmalaysianopen.com/
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