Kiradech Aphibarnrat loves everything and anything that creates an adrenaline rush.
As a hobby, the burly Thai golfer enjoys driving sports cars at break-neck speed that he has participated in circuit races in Bangkok.
When he got married to sweetheart Tunyatorn Chaiyarat earlier this year, they got hitched in a hot air balloon.
He also loves smashing the white-dimpled ball that some has nicknamed him Asia’s John Daly for their similarity in possessing an over-the-top golf swing.
With age and maturity, Kiradech, 27, is now totally driven to succeed in a game in which he traverses the global airways to fulfill his life’s goals on the world’s finest fairways.
The 2013 Asian Tour number one will set his course for a trip to Melbourne, Australia in November where he and partner Thongchai Jaidee aim to challenge for the World Cup of Golf.
“I was a world junior golf champion twice during my amateur days (2003 and 2004), so it would be pretty cool if I can become a World Cup of Golf champions too with Thongchai,” said Kiradech.
“I think it has a very nice ring to it. We’re going to be trying our hardest in Melbourne to bring home the World Cup. The last time I played in Melbourne was in the 2013 World Cup and I finished tied fifth in the individual category. So hopefully I can play some of my best golf there again with Thongchai to give Thailand a chance of winning.
“Representing Thailand in the World Cup will be an honour. We don’t normally get a chance to represent our nation in professional golf events so this is going to be a privilege. I’ve always been very interested in the World Cup of Golf and hopefully we can strike up a good partnership to contend. If we can pull it off, it would be massive for the game in Thailand and Asia.”
Part of Kiradech’s charm and appeal with golf fans around the world is his attitude when playing the game. His trademark grip it-and-rip it style is fun to watch and the likeable Thai has vowed to thrill fans in his search for World Cup glory at Kingston Heath Golf Club.
As a budding amateur, his first golf coach Natpasit Chokthanasart drilled it upon him to play attacking golf. “Playing aggressive is my natural game,” he said.
“When I started, he (Natpasit) told me to hit it long and always to aim for the pins. That kept the game fun for me. From young, I always played like this and I’m glad I have stuck to this style.”
Kiradech partnered Thongchai in his World Cup debut in China in 2011 where they finished an uneventful joint 18th. The duo also partnered for Team Asia in the EurAsia Cup against Europe in 2014.
“The fourball and foursomes format is going to be interesting. As I know Thongchai’s game well and he knows mine too, we will hopefully be able to produce our best golf. I think it’s important to not feel like we’re letting each other down whenever one of us do not play well. I will try to get him to play his best for Thailand and I’m sure he’ll be doing the same to me,” said Kiradech.
“I always enjoy the opportunity to partner Thongchai who is a great player. He has always made time to guide the younger players including myself and I look up to him for his achievements, not only in Asia but also around the world.”
Thailand’s best finish in the history of the World Cup was recorded back in 1969, 20 years before Kiradech was born, through Sukree Onsham and Suchin Suwanapong, who came in tied fourth. Thongchai and Prayad Marksaeng finished equal seventh in 2008 for Thailand’s best finish in recent times and Kiradech is under no illusion the battle for world supremacy will be intense at Kingston Heath.
“It’s going to be a great week of golf in Melbourne. There are many strong teams like the Australian team of Jason Day and Adam Scott plus the American team of Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker. We can certainly expect them to be up on the leaderboard,” said Kiradech.
“With Thongchai playing well recently and my game being in good shape, I like to think that we can also compete for the World Cup of Golf title.”
Thongchai, the only man to win three Order of Merit crowns in Asia, would also love to help Thailand become only the third Asian country to win the World Cup of Golf. Japan has been victorious on two occasions while Chinese Taipei has also won the World Cup.
“I’m looking forward to playing in my fifth World Cup. With the tournament reverting to a combined team format, I believe it will be exciting for the players and I hope to put up a strong showing,” said the 46-year-old veteran.
“It will be fantastic if I can help Thailand contend for the prestigious trophy. It is always very special to represent Thailand and with a list of past World Cup champions that include legendary names like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, it will be wonderful if Thailand can rise to the occasion and put our names on the World Cup trophy.”
