Defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat hopes a return to the Maybank Malaysian Open will help him rediscover his best form after a difficult period following the death of his coach.
The Thai won at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club last year en route to claiming the Asian Tour Order of Merit, but tragedy struck in December when his long-term coach, Natpasit Chokthanasart, who was nicknamed Pro Jew, died.
Kiradech put in a strong performance in the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM, beating Thomas Björn in the final day singles as Asia came back from 5-0 down on the first day to tie 10-10 and share to trophy.
Now the 24 year old is aiming to take that form to Kuala Lumpur for the US$2.75 million event from April 17-20, where he joins a star-studded field featuring fellow Thai Thongchai Jaidee, former World Number One Lee Westwood and past champions Matteo Manassero and Louis Oosthuizen.
“Since I lost my coach, my mental approach has been different and I have lost some confidence,” said Kiradech. “I’ve been looking for a new coach with my manager but it isn’t easy because I worked with Pro Jew for such a long time.
“I have a lot of confidence playing at KLGCC. From the beginning of the year I haven’t found my best golf game and best week yet. I hope I can play well at the Maybank Malaysian Open to bring all my confidence back.
“The KLGCC course is a long course with tight fairways so it suits my game because I have the length. I like the greens and I read the lines very well. That explains why I’ve always enjoyed a good result there.”
