Thongchai fires 65 to lie two back on PGA TOUR Champions

Thongjai Jaidee (photo Getty Images )

Thai veteran star Thongchai Jaidee charged into contention after the second round of the Ally Challenge on Saturday, thanks to a superb 7-under 65 which propelled him to fourth place and two off the lead.

The 51-year-old Thongchai earned his spot in the PGA TOUR Champions event after carding a 66 in open qualifier on Tuesday and then followed it up with first round 67 on Friday.

He shot eight birdies against a lone bogey on Saturday for a 12-under 132 total to give himself a chance of becoming the first Thai winner on PGA TOUR Champions.

Although he hit only eight fairways, the Thai’s iron play was superb as he found 16 greens in regulation. He trails co-leaders Bernhard Langer and Doug Barron who lead on 14-under 130, with Joe Durant in third place at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club.

“It’s another day tomorrow. We must try to think about getting some momentum early and focusing on consistency which is important. I’ll have to try to keep hitting more fairways and greens and then make some putts to have a chance in the final round,” said Thongchai, who owns seven European Tour wins and was the first Thai to feature in the Presidents Cup in 2015.

Kiradech in with a chance to grab a PGA Tour Card

Meanwhile on the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, Kiradech Aphibarnrat carded a third round 4-under 67 to move up to a share of 12th position in the Nationwide’s Children Hospital Championship, six strokes behind co-leaders Vincent Whaley and Stephen Jaeger.

With 25 PGA TOUR cards at stake, Kiradech is projected to move to 13th position on the Korn Ferry Tour Finals The 25 standings.

The 32-year-old went out in 32 with four birdies and traded two more birdies against as many bogeys coming in for a three-day total of 9-under 204.  He lost his PGA TOUR card after finishing outside the top-125 of the FedExCup standings following the conclusion of the Regular Season two weeks ago.