Kuala Lumpur: After his European high, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand will now take aim at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone Country Club in Ohio next week.

Thongchai, who is a three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, won his first title on European soil at the ISPS Handa Wales Open in June and went on to make the cut at The Open Championship last week.

His appearance in the year’s third Major championship was hampered by a muscle strain in his neck and fatigue after playing in his fifth straight tournament. But he is upbeat of making an impact in the event from August 2 to 5 after taking a week’s break.

“I was a bit tired and my neck was not good. It felt very tight and I don’t know what was going on. Maybe it’s because I was tired,” said Thongchai.

His victory in Wales capped a new milestone in Thongchai’s career where he has won 13 Asian Tour titles including four events co sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. His win also ensured he qualified for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, the third World Golf Championship tournament this season.

“My feeling is confident after Wales. I’ve been on the leaderboards on two or three other occasions since then. I think I have learned how to play in the weather (in Europe) and my putting is also confident.
“I have always dreamt of winning in Europe and now, I’ve got it. I’ve got two more years of exemption and I can concentrate on winning more tournaments,” added the former paratrooper.

Thongchai will be in good company of Asian stars including Korean stalwarts K.J. Choi, an eight-time PGA Tour winner, Y.E. Yang, Asia’s first Major champion and Bae Sang-moon, a three-time Asian Tour winner.