Jaidee boosted by Ballantine's

by setantasports.com staff , 18 March 2010 Thongchai Jaidee

Thongchai Jaidee admits that the memory of his Ballantine's Championship win in Korea last year is still a source of inspiration, as he prepares to defend the crown next month.


"I'm really looking forward to going back to defend my Ballantine's Championship title because I have very special memories of my win there last year," said Thongchai of the €2.2 million event from 22-25 April.

"I felt good going into the week because I'd been playing well and was building up some momentum."

Thongchai hit two-under-par 70 on the final day in windy conditions to enter a playoff against Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Korea's Kang Sung Hoon.

"On the final day I played one of my best rounds because, even though the conditions were tough, I hit 17 greens and only made one bogey with a three putt."

He then holed a six-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to win his fourth European Tour title.

"More importantly, the win moved me up the Race to Dubai and the world rankings, and helped me get into tournaments like the World Golf Championships and hopefully the Masters," Thongchai continued.

"It gives you great confidence when you win and I've carried that into this season. If I qualify for the Masters and play well there, it should give me the confidence to go and win again."

Thongchai is currently 43rd in the world rankings, a position that will allow him to play in the Masters, which will take place two weeks before the Ballantine's Championship.

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