Hua Hin, Thailand: Hua Hin native Prom Meesawat plans to honour his late coach with a win at the US$1 million King’s Cup Golf Hua Hin at the Black Mountain Golf Club next week.
Having played an influential role in his rise on the Asian Tour, Prom fondly remembers Natpasit Chokthanasart, nicknamed Pro Jew, as a highly dedicated and respected coach.
“My game has improved a lot since I was coached by Pro Jew. I liked his style. Although he was my full-time coach for only two years, I learnt a lot from him and I remember everything he has taught me. For more than 20 years, he has continued to monitor my progress even though he was not coaching me anymore,” said Prom.
With Pro Jew’s passing last month, the 29-year-old hopes to do Natpasit proud by earning a long-awaited second Asian Tour victory at the Asian Tour’s 2013 season-ending event, the King’s Cup from January 16-19.
“I was shocked to learn that he passed away. But I believe he would like me to be strong and remember what I learned from him. I would like to play well now to give respect to him," said Prom.
Nicknamed the ‘Big Dolphin’ due his burly physique and because he hails from the coastal town of Hua Hin, Prom knows there is no better place to honour Natpasit and end his eight-year winless run than in his hometown.
“I’m expecting a lot of support when I play at the King’s Cup as Hua Hin is my hometown. It’s good not only for me but for the fans to watch the tournament,” said Prom.
At the end of last year, Prom came agonisingly close to winning his second Asian Tour title but lost in two play-offs at the inaugural Resorts World Manila Masters and Hong Kong Open.
While he took pride in his battling performances, the burly Thai firmly believes he has regained his best form to get back into the winner’s circle following his career breakthrough in Korea in 2006.
“I’ve been playing very good golf in the last couple of months. Getting into two play-offs was great and even though I lost in both, I felt really good with my form,” said Prom.
Prom added that playing in Europe last season has made him a stronger player. “I’ve been playing in Europe regularly and it has helped my game. I’ve become mentally stronger and working closely with my coach who has stressed to not think about the negatives and focus on what is ahead on the golf course,” he said.
“It’ll mean a lot to me if I can win the King’s Cup as it’s always an honour to win a trophy from the King,” added Prom.
Countryman Prayad Marksaeng, who won his seventh Asian Tour title at the Queen’s Cup in June, is looking forward to adding another title from the Royal family to complete a unique double.
“The King’s Cup means a lot to Thai players and having won the Queen’s Cup in June, I would obviously like to add the King’s Cup to my trophy cabinet,” said Prayad, who has a good track record in Black Mountain.
Although he will be turning 48 at the end of the month, the evergreen Thai, who also hails from Hua Hin, is not planning to call time on his distinguished career and is looking forward to challenging for more titles in the New Year.
“I hope to continue playing golf for as long as I can. I definitely have no plans to retire anytime soon and I just want to stay fit and strong and progress onto the Seniors Tour,” said Prayad.
For the first time ever, the King’s Cup will be broadcast live, over four rounds on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches over 180 countries and 640 million homes, ensuring extensive worldwide exposure for the popular beach resort town of Hua Hin, sponsors, and the Kingdom of Thailand itself. The event recently signed a five-year agreement to stage the King’s Cup on the Asian Tour, which is the region’s premier Tour.
