India’s Shiv Kapur will make a welcome return to the Thai Country Club, the venue of his first victory some 11 years ago, to challenge for the prestigious Thailand Open title in a fortnight.
The 35-year-old Indian won his first Asian Tour title at the same venue in 2005 and hopes to continue his winning form at the US$300,000 full-field Asian Tour event which takes place from May 18 to 21.
Kapur, a former gold medalist at the 2002 Asian Games, waited 11 years and four months before securing his long-awaited second Asian Tour title in Chinese Taipei last week and is excited to return to the venue where his career took flight.
“That was where my career took off. I am really looking forward to returning to Thai Country Club. It is a fantastic venue and I carry very fond memories of it in my heart. I feel very welcome whenever I am there,” said Kapur.
“It’s lovely to see a much younger version of me on the walls of the clubhouse. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to go and play after my win in Chinese Taipei and I am really excited to relive some of those memories,” added the Indian, who is also an Asian Tour board member.
Kapur will be joined by an elite cast which includes Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, ranked 69th and 91st respectively on the latest Official World Golf Ranking, at the Thailand Open, which returns on the Asian Tour Schedule after an eight-year lapse.
“It’s great to have the prestigious Thailand Open back on the Asian Tour schedule. It shows that the Asian Tour is growing from strength to strength. This is a very welcome addition to the schedule and a tournament every player would love to win,” Kapur added.
Other notable players who will feature in the event include Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant, Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei, Spaniard Carlos Pigem and young Filipino Miguel Tabuena.
