Thongchai's third Asian Merit title

Last updated: 7th December 2009

Thongchai Jaidee, the new Asian Tour number one, has hailed his 2009 season as the best of his life - and has now set his sights on the majors.

The Thai star ended a memorable campaign with an 11th place finish in the King's Cup at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club on Sunday where he was officially crowned Asia's number one for a record third time.

The former paratrooper won twice this season, finished in the top-10 in three other events and did not miss a single cut on the Asian Tour all year, earning a career highest US$980,000.

"This year was certainly the best year of my professional life. I was very happy with how I played," said Thongchai after receiving his Order of Merit trophy.

"After I got injured in 2008, I did a lot of gym work to get my back stronger and I worked very hard. I knew I had to get my body stronger. When you are strong, you can play anywhere. My swing also felt a lot better after some small changes and it all contributed to my success this season.

"I was consistent all year long. I only missed the cut in two events in Europe and none on the Asian Tour. It showed that my game is getting better. I wasn't scared and I won a few tournaments," he added.

Thongchai, whose previous Merit triumphs came in 2001 and 2004, said his next goal would be to challenge for a Major title in 2010.

He will be exempt for the British Open next year through his Order of Merit success while an invitation to a second Masters appearance beckons.

"Yes I do," was his categorical reply when asked if he thought his game was good enough now to win a Major.

"I played very well at the British Open this year (he finished tied 13th). This despite a whole host of three putts that week. It was the best that I hit the ball at a Major. In the four rounds, I had like seven or eight three putts. If I had only taken two three-putts, I would have been in the play-off and that has encouraged me so I'll just keep working hard," he said.

"My dream is to win the Masters. I know it's very difficult but that's my dream. If I can get into the Masters again, I want to make the cut there. If I do, I would have made the cut in all the Majors during my career."

While he turned 40 last month, the little Thai strongman believes he can still maintain his mantle as Asia's top player despite the emergence of a new breed of young and exciting Asian stars.

"I guess it has to do with keeping my body stronger. Some players' game go down hill when they get older. But I don't think about getting old. When you're strong, you also won't get injured," he said.

Thonchai paid tribute to the Asian Tour, which, he says, has given players like himself the platform to rise to prominence.

"The Asian Tour has given us a lot of tournaments and supported Asian golfers. There are a lot of players coming up now and there is support for them through the Asian Tour. When I started playing in 1999, the prize money was small. It's much bigger now," he added.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded Thongchai's record Merit triumph.

"Thongchai has had a great season and winning our Order of Merit title for the third time reinforces his growing reputation as one of Asia's greatest players of all time.

"We are proud of his terrific achievements and we are confident he will fly our flag with pride in the new season," said Han.