If you think injuries can dampen the spirit of athletes, you are off the radar. Thailand’s star Golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who’s battling a bad knee injury, is confident that he will be able to put up a good performance at the 148^th British Open that kicks off from tomorrow.

The decorated 29-year-old, who won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2013 and is also the first Thai to earn a PGA Tour card, has been struggling with a knee injury, which is unfortunately not showing much signs of improvements. "To be honest, my knee's only about 50 percent healed. I got my limitations and I can't really walk that much. I can't really walk 18 holes on practice days. So I'm trying to pace myself and just play nine holes today," said Kiradech.

While Kiradech's knee injury may possibly hamper his progress at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this week, he remains optimistic of a good showing as he tees off alongside England's Ian Poulter and South Korea's Im Sung-Jae in the opening two rounds of the year's fourth and final major.

"I've been struggling the past few months but I don't want to make any excuses as I always try to play my best golf each time I tee up for a tournament," said the world No.52. "Having said that, it's always exciting to be back at the Open. It's a historic event with many great champions and good crowds. I just want to do my best this week and if I can play all four rounds, it'll be fantastic."

The burly Thai is making his sixth appearance at the Open where he missed the cut from 2013-2017 and finished tied for 75th last year.

(Asian Tour)