Thongchai Jaidee’s stellar season continued apace on day two of The Open Championship as a second successive 72 saw the Thai ace consolidate his position amongst the chasing pack.
With a brisk wind threatening to blow several high profile players out of contention, Jaidee’s level par aggregate score should see him well placed going into the weekend at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
Jaidee’s rock steady showing comes on the back of a series of impressive recent displays, with top five finishes in Germany and France and his victory in Sweden lifting the former Paratrooper up to tenth place in The Race to Dubai.
Jaidee’s best performance in The Open was in 2009, when he finished in a tie for 13th place at Turnberry, just four strokes behind American winner Stewart Cink.
But having since won in testing conditions in the 2012 ISPS Handa Wales Open, Jaidee will feel confident of bettering that result even if, as predicted, the weather takes a turn for the worse in Hoylake.
The World Number 34 said: “I started really well on the front, but struggled on the back nine. It was difficult to adjust, as it got windy. Even on the par fives, it was tough to play those holes. Anyway, it’s still a good round. I’m happy to make the cut, that’s the important thing.
“Now that I’ve made the cut, we’ll see how the weather is tomorrow and move from there. If it is bad, you need to be patient and keep the ball on the fairways and greens. I chipped in for birdie at the first but then found two fairway bunkers, which made it tough. But I’m pleased that I hit my irons very well today.
“There’s no need to be long on this course, you just need to avoid the bunkers. But it is difficult if the wind blows like today. On the last hole, I hit my approach well but still found the bunker, although I managed to make a good par.
“I’m still learning to play in this weather, even though I have spent a lot of time playing golf in Europe now. It’s great to be here playing in a Major championship. It’s a good life.”
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