Hong Kong Open: Thai sensation ‘Jazz’ Janewattananond aims for world’s top 30 after magnificent year earns Masters invitation
- ‘Jazz’ looks to defeat ‘one of the toughest courses in the world’ after failing to make cut in last two outings
- The 24-year-old enthusiastic about 2020 season, having earned various majors invitations
Thai golfing sensation Atiwit “Jazz” Janewattananond says a good showing at this weekend’s Hong Kong Open will help him fulfil his 2020 goal of breaking into the world’s top 30.
The in-form 24-year-old, who ranks 40th, is coming off a stunning season with four Asian Tour wins, including its final two events of 2019. The impressive results propelled Janewattananond into the world’s top 50, booking a last-minute place in the coveted Masters and three other majors.
“I’ll be playing so many tours this year – mostly in Europe, some in the PGA Tour and a lot of starts and majors,” said Janewattananond, who “struggled” to a two-under-par 68 alongside Shane Lowry and Kim Joo-hyung on the opening day.
“I’m just trying to let it sink in because I wasn’t confirmed in the Masters until around four weeks ago. A lot of tournaments are confirmed because I got into the top 50. I’m trying to figure it out and try to take everything. It’s my first time so I hope it’s going to be good.
“My goal is to get to the top 30 in the world – that’s my short-term goal,” he added with confidence.
Despite previous struggles on the difficult Fanling composite course, Janewattananond is one of the favourites to win the tournament. He is the third-highest ranked player after headliners Lowry and Tony Finau.
“My track record is not that good here; the first couple of times I played well but the last couple of times I didn’t find the form,” said Janewattananond, who missed the cut in his last two Hong Kong appearances.
“It’s one of the shortest, toughest golf courses in the world. It’s very challenging but I need to find a way to play it – I don’t know if I’ve figured it out yet. I think this is a warm-up to test the stuff I have worked on the last two weeks.
“My [strategy] is to try some new stuff, play a bit safer the first two days, and see if I can do anything over the weekend. I was a bit too aggressive the last two times. You don’t have to overpower it at this golf course – you need to play it with respect,” he said.
If his strategy proves right and earns silverware on the weekend, young Janewattananond’s trajectory is limitless. He turned professional at 14, became the youngest player to make the Asian Tour cut, made his Hong Kong debut at 18, and broke into the top 50 by his early 20s.
No surprises that Janewattananond scooped four Asian Tour awards earlier this week, including the coveted player of the year and players’ player of the year awards. He cited the latter as the most prized trophy.
“If you get voted by your peers, you know you’re doing something right. It proves that they accept you,” he said.
