Stars say Thongchai has what it takes for US
Adam Scott wants to see more of Thongchai Jaidee in the United States. The Asian number one says he won't disappoint the world number 10.
Thongchai, the leading Asian at eight under par in yesterday's Classic, is confident he will qualify for the US PGA Tour when he goes to 'Q school' later this year.
Thongchai had a bird's-eye view of Scott blitzing the field on the first two days and also the pleasure of Sergio Garcia's company.
'It was great playing with them and you are always learning,' said the 36-year-old former paratrooper. 'And I hope to see a lot more of them. My aim this year is to qualify for the PGA Tour and I'm confident I can do it.'
Scott, who finished 10 strokes ahead of the Thai, said: 'Thongchai is a fantastic player. It would be great to see him play a little more outside Asia. I'm very impressed with him.'
World number three Ernie Els also believes Thongchai has the game to succeed in America. 'He's not intimidated by anyone,' said Els, who played second fiddle to Thongchai in the early rounds of last year's Dubai Desert Classic.
'If he can break through, it will mean so much for himself and the Asian Tour and show the rest of the world that the guys here can really play.' Thongchai, who had the best score of 64 in the third round before a disappointing two-over 74 in the final round, became the first Thai to win on the European Tour in last year's Carlsberg Malaysian Open, which he defended successfully in February.
