Phachara tees off as local favourite in Samui

The  18-year-old  is keen to emulate other young guns  Jazz Janewattananond and Rattanon Wannasrichan , who claimed their maiden Asian Tour victories this season in Bashundhara Bangladesh Open and the Thailand Open respectively.

“The Queen’s Cup is very important to all Thai golfers. Every Thai golfer wants to win the tournament as it’s a tournament for the queen. But it won’t be easy to win it,” said Phachara currently third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, thanks to runner-up finishes at the SMBC Singapore Open and ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth. He has played in the Queen’s Cup on three previous occasions, missing the halfway cut twice.

“On this course, if you don’t hit it straight, you will get a bad score. Hit a bad shot, you’re dead. I really like this course as it’s challenging. I’ll be using a lot of long irons this week. My driving is also getting better, so I’m feeling good about the week,” added the only Thai who made the cut at the Lyoness Open last week before settling a tied  27th, closing with a 67 which should put him in good stead for this week.

“I played in three European Tour events the past few months. I enjoyed the experience and every course is challenging due to the weather and course conditions. It’s different from the conditions in Asia which is good as it helps me to learn and become a better golfer,” said Phachara looking for his maiden Asian Tour breakthrough.

“My dream is to try to get one win on the Asian Tour this season. But if I don’t do it, it’s not a problem as I’ve already enjoyed two second place finishes. I’m not going to push it. This week, maybe I’ll have a chance.”

The Thai hope will have to compete against several tough competitors including title holder Scott Hend of Australia who is trying to become the first player to successfully defend the title.

Long-hitting Hend, who is the reigning Asian Tour number one, will shoot for his 10th victory on the region’s premier Tour against a stellar line-up which includes eight of the top-10 players from the Order of Merit.

“It’ll be the same attitude as last year, play what’s in front of you and try to judge the wind well. This golf course is always tricky. However, I’ve proved last year that I can win on a tricky golf course,” said the Australian who after missing three straight cuts from between March to April has regained his form with a tied sixth finish at the recent Thailand Open being his best outing this season.

“Any golf course fits my game if I’m on top of myself that week. Around here, it’s hard to beat the local players as they know the golf course inside out. So for a foreigner to win is quite pleasing in that regards,” said Hend who won three titles in Thailand including the 2013 Chiangmai Classic and 2016 Thailand Classic.