Thongchai Jaidee believes he can thrive in the warm Algarve climate at this week’s Portugal Masters.
The Thai star won his first four European Tour titles on Asian soil, but proved he could mix with the best in wet, windy and cold conditions with victory at the ISPS Handa Wales Open in 2012, and added this year’s Nordea Masters in Sweden.
But despite those impressive wins, the 44 year old still prefers warmer climes, and is looking forward to shedding the extra layers from last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in a chilly Scotland.
“I like the weather, it's good, and the golf course is good, too,” said Jaidee, who at 15th on The Race to Dubai can still improve on last season’s career-best finish of ninth. “I love to come here to play and I enjoy playing here.
“It's very challenging, the course, and 17 and 18 is a very tough finish. It’s a very good design and very challenging.
“This week I think it's very good weather - I hope it's very good weather.
“Last week, I know in Scotland there can be rain and wind normally. I don't mind, I love to play golf.”
Having not missed a cut in 20 European Tour starts this year, Jaidee admits this season could already be classed as better than last term, when he claimed a slice of The Race to Dubai Bonus Pool for the first time.
“I think I prefer this year,” he added. “I think it's a very good year in my life. This year has been a very good year, and I think my performances have been very consistent this year.
“I turn 45 next month, I’m getting old, but I try my best anyway to improve, make my body stronger and also improve my golf game.”
