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Bangkok, December 7: Thai stars Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee are looking forward to the inaugural US$1 million Thailand Golf Championship next week where they believe the arrival of world-class names will offer a good challenge to the local brigade.
 
The Asian Tour winners are also supporting various initiatives taken by the local organisers to raise funds for the flood victims in the country. Kiradech will make a significant contribution of 1 million baht (approximately US$32,000) to build homes for the affected families while Thongchai is also planning to make contributions to the flood victims.
 
“I’m really happy we have a new tournament in Thailand with a US$1 million prize money. It’s a big tournament and with star players like Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy coming, it’ll make Thai golf bigger,” said Kiradech.
 
“We will support the people who have been affected. My house is not affected. I’m giving a bit of money. I’ve given rice to the people, some 50 bags of rice and 500 bottles of water as well.
I’m planning to build some homes for the people. I’m donating about 1 million baht which can build about five small homes outside of Bangkok.”
 
Kiradech is hoping to launch a title bid at the Amata Spring Country Club from December 15-18 after regaining his form following an injury spell. It was disappointing period for the Thai as he had broken through for his first victory at the SAIL Open in India earlier in the year.
 
“I’ve got a one-week rest. I’ll work hard and will try to win the last tournament in Thailand. Amata is a long course but wide. I’ve got a good chance to win. I hit it long and it fits my game.
It’s a good challenge for us,” said Kiradech, who regained his form with a tied seventh finish at the UBS Hong Kong Open last week.
 
“It’s good to get back to my form. Top 10 is good for me. I’m still only 80 percent on my form. I need more confidence on my irons. I lost all confidence with my irons in the past five months
 
Three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai said the Thailand Golf Championship, which will include three of this season’s Major champions McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Charl Schwartzel, would help promote the country after the floods.
“We’ve not had a big tournament in Thailand for a long time. It will help promote the country. It’s good to promote golf in Thailand. We have the star players to play. It will help the Thai players and promote Thai golf,” said Thongchai.
 
“There is a lot of charity (activities) as well. There is the auction involved and ticket sales will go to charity. I’ve not been home for two and a half months so I look forward to see what I can do. I’m looking forward to playing as I have a lot of things to do in this event.”
 
The local organisers have obtained signed golf items from the stars to be auctioned off on EBay to raise funds. The proceeds from ticket sales will also go towards flood relief.
 
“I have also donated some to charity. I’m giving away a few of my personal items, my clubs, shoes, shirts. I’ve donated 300,000 baht before. My wife is also cooking to support the people near my home town. My family has been trying to help out as much as we can. When I get home next week, I’ll see how I can help. I look forward to the tournament.

From Golf Digest Singapore December 2011 issue