Thongchai Jaidee enjoyed a seventh top-10 finish of the season on PGA Tour Champions after he came in tied second at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open on Sunday.
The veteran Thai star made an eagle-2 at the par 4 16th hole, along with five other birdies against a lone bogey, for a closing round of 6-under 66 to tie Canadian Mike Weir and finished three shots back of winner Padraig Harrington who won with a 13-under 200 total.
It was Thongchai’s fourth top-10 since winning the American Family Insurance Championship in June, which made him the first Thai golfer to triumph on the over-50 circuit operated by the PGA Tour. He also moved up to seventh place on the latest Charles Schwab Cup ranking with over US$1.09 million in earnings this season.
“I played great today. I started very well with a birdie on the first hole. I think the key was I am putting well. The greens are fantastic and I did not miss anything. I had up-and-downs on a couple of holes which gave me a lot confidence. On the back nine, we made eagle on 16, and that’s why I think I can make top-5. Six under par, I’m very happy,” said the Asian golf legend.
The 52-year-old, who has won eight times on the DP World Tour and was multiple Asian No. 1, believes his game is trending nicely towards the conclusion of the season. “I think the key for me is to try to catch up on my putting. It’s working now because I know what I have been working on. The driver has been very good every week, very solid. The game have to be solid which makes me more confident. The putting is the key for me, and I’ve improved a lot with my putting,” he said.
