Thomas Bjørn wants to enhance his reputation as a worldwide winner when he tees it up in the True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain this week.
The Dane has triumphed in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Africa, but would love to add a title in south-east Asia to his impressive haul of 15 European Tour victories.
The inaugural Thailand Classic, with a prize fund of US$2million, takes place at the stunning Black Mountain Golf Club near the coastal town of Hua Hin, and Bjørn is excited to see why so many Scandinavian professionals use the venue for their winter practice.
“There are a lot of European Tour players who have an association with Black Mountain, and the reports I have heard say that it is going to be a very strong venue, so I am looking forward to getting there and playing in the event,” said the 43 year old.
“Every player wants to win every tournament they play in and I am no different. It would be great to get my name on the Thailand Classic trophy.
“Winning around the world is what makes you a truly global player and I would love to add Thailand to the list of countries where I have won.
“Asia is obviously a hugely important territory for The European Tour so it’s great that we are returning to Thailand for the first time since 2007 – it’s an amazing country.”
Bjørn is joined at Black Mountain by a host of European Tour stars, including Spaniards Miguel Angel Jiménez and Alejandro Cañizares, who was tied third in last week’s Maybank Malaysian Open.
Jiménez won on his last visit to Thailand, claiming the 2004 Johnnie Walker Classic, and he is relishing returning to the country for the first time in more than a decade.
“I love playing in Asia,” said the 51 year old, who recently won on the Champions Tour in the USA. “When I saw that the Thailand Classic had been added to the European Tour schedule it was an event that I really wanted to play, and so I am excited to be back.
“This is a beautiful country and I am very much looking forward to visiting Hua Hin for the first time. Thai people are so incredibly friendly, kind and respectful and are always smiling. The Thai food is unbelievable and I love to try traditional dishes in different local restaurants.”
A number of Thai players will be hoping to give the spectators even more reason to cheer, and the home charge is led by six-time European Tour winner Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat, who hails from Hua Hin.
