In an exclusive interaction with 4moles.com, Jaidee, who ended his campaign with an even-par 70 at the British Open, shares his thoughts.
 

By Priyanka Sen Sarkar

 

All of 47, the years sit lightly upon Thailand's golf veteran Thongchai Jaidee. His repertoire as a golf icon remains unmatched and so does his zest for life. From holding an unprecedented three Order of Merit titles along with 13 career victories in Asia to winning 8 European titles, the Thai veteran’s golfing journey is dotted with historic milestones.

 

                             

Jaidee captured the hearts and minds of all golf enthusiasts when he scripted history by becoming the oldest winner of the French Open 2016 at the age of 46.  Interestingly, the Thai golfer did not take up golf until he was 16 and only turned into a pro at 30. 

 

In an exclusive tete-a-tete with 4moles.com, Jaidee, whose golfing feats are serenaded by all and sundry, shares his secret to staying healthy and vigorous on and off the greens.

The cheat code to fitness

 

 At the cusp of 48, Jaidee has no desire to slow down. His sustained success on the golfing terrain is a testament to his incredible level of fitness and grit. So, what's been working well with him?
“Practising and exercising hard has always been the key for me. For me, my game and fitness are a way of life. I am obsessive about my fitness and I derive immense happiness in living healthy,” states Jaidee.
 

Staying on top of the game

 

Jaidee has persistently proved that on his day he can be at par with the very best pro golfers – and with effortless ease. 

So how does he assess his chances of winning a tournament (for example the British Open), given a large number of top-ranking players? “There are so many great players out there but I think I stand a bit chance of winning any tournament. It could be anybody's day or anybody’s week. I never saw myself as a contender coming in The British Open but I always felt I had a chance. In fact, everyone in the field has a chance. I always look ahead and I always try to put in my best in the tournaments that I play. And my love for golf pushes me to pursue my dreams and do better,” says Jaidee.

 And what preparations does he do before any major tournament? “I fly my coach out to be with me at a major. I work more closely  with my coach specifically for that particular course,” adds the 47-year-old golfer.
 

Thailand- A powerhouse of golf talent    

 

With Thailand churning out a large number of best-in-class golfers such as Ariya Jutanugarn, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Prayad Marksaeng and Phachara Khongwatmai,  the country has become a powerhouse of golf talent. So, what's the secret to Thailand's golfing success? "I don't think there's any particular secret. Yes, the game is growing amazingly in Thailand and a lot of young players are coming through the ranks. Yes, Thai golf courses have exceptional facilities and the weather is good all over the year to play golf," shares Jaidee. 

 

Golf is considered to be an expensive sport. Does he think there are enough opportunities for budding golfers to take up the sport? "There's a lot of undiscovered talent everywhere in Thailand. It's just that they don't get a chance. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to showcase my golf prowess. I want to create more opportunities for our budding golfers by opening a foundation in Lopburi where I live. I really hope to see more Thai youngsters taking up golf as a career," says Jaidee. 

 

A great golf destination 

 

And what's his take on Thailand's growing popularity increasingly becoming a great golf holiday destination? "I feel happy to be a part of Thailand that has become a natural attraction for golfers spread across the globe. Be it the modern facilities, internationally-designed championship courses, unparalleled hospitality or a fantastic infrastructure - everything about Thailand is amazing. And the golden beaches make the place more appealing," says Jaidee.  

 

And does he have a particular favourite golf destination? "Yes, I love visiting Black Mountain Golf resort, Hua Hin in Thailand," shares Jaidee as he signs off.