Kiradech aims for consistency on US return

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Kiradech aims for consistency on US return

By Agencies

 

 

Golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat returns to the PGA Tour in the US on Thursday night (Thailand time) eager to hit top form at the AT&T Byron Nelson in Dallas ahead of a busy three-month stretch of tournaments.
 

The Thai No 1 took a  month-long rest in Bangkok to recuperate from a knee injury suffered during the second round at Augusta National. 

 

“It’s good to be back on the tour this week after my last start nearly a month ago. I played okay in Augusta National and suffered a slight knee injury. I’ve rested it over the past few weeks when I was back home and I’m ready to get back out to compete here,” he said.

 

He is unhappy, however, with his inconsistency – he has not recorded a top-10 finish in 11 starts so far this year. 

 

“In the next few weeks, I’m hoping to play more consistently, which is important with so many top events coming up,” he admitted.

 

“Looking at my stats, my driving and iron play have not been the best and I’m working hard on trying to improve these areas of my game. Hopefully next season, I will get to know the golf courses a bit better too. This week’s course is another good test but I feel fresh and ready to get going again.”

 

During his absence, Kiradech slipped eight rungs down to 72nd position on the FedExCup points list but is virtually assured of being in the first Playoff event, the Northern Trust in New York in August.

 

The top-70 players then qualify for the BMW Championship, the second of three Playoff events, before concluding with the Tour Championship which is exclusive to the top-30 players on the FedExCup points list. 

 

This year’s FedExCup sees a hefty jump in prize money on offer, with US$70 million available in the bonus pool and a cool US$15 million for the FedExCup champion.

 

At the back of Kiradech’s mind is also his hopes of getting into the International Team  for the Presidents Cup to face a Tiger Woods-led United States Team at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia from December 9-15. 

 

He is currently 18th on the team points list, with the top-eight after the BMW Championship earning automatic places in Ernie Els’ International Team. Els will have four captain’s picks.

 

“I need to stay committed to what I’m doing with my swing and my game,”Kiradech added.

 

“I also want to keep trying to make the International Team for the Presidents Cup and I know I need to start collecting world ranking points consistently to give myself a chance of finishing in the top-eight for automatic selection.”

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30369058

 

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