Thailandās Jazz Janewattanond hopes a recent golf lesson with Tiger Woodsā putting coach will lift his fortunes as he prepares for the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide and World Golf Championships-FedEx St Jude Invitational later this month.
The 24-year-old rising star, who has been in the U.S. since March, was disappointed to miss the halfway cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge and RBC Heritage by one shot and two shots respectively when the PGA TOUR made a welcome return last month following a 91-day hiatus due to Covid-19.
After struggling with a cold putter, where he currently ranks 149thĀ in Strokes Gained: Putting, Jazz sought the advice of Matt Killen, whose star pupils include 82-time PGA TOUR winner Woods and 2017 FedExCup champion, Justin Thomas.
āIt would have been nice to play the weekends. I struggled with my putting and lost so many strokes on the greens,ā said the Thai, who is ranked 44thĀ in the world on the back of a four-win season on the Asian Tour last year.
Being part of the same management stable as Woods and Thomas has its fringe benefits. When Jazz discussed with his manager his putting woes, Killenās name was put forward and Jazz flew out to Nashville last week for a three-hour lesson in putting.
āIt was a really good three hours spent with Matt. When you see a guy who works with successful players, it gives you the confidence you can trust him. So Iām just following what heās asking me to do,ā said Jazz.
Killen did not tweak Jazzās putting technique or stroke, especially when the Thai had ranked second for putting average (greens in regulation) on the Asian Tour last season. Instead, the instructor showed Jazz several drills to help him adapt quicker to the intricacies of new greens, considering Jazz will be playing on many golf courses for the first time through his exemptions on the PGA TOUR this year.
āFor me, itās not a technique thing. Matt has taught me how to practice and perceive the putting greens when I get to a tournament site. What we did was to learn how to set up a drill when I get to a new course and work on getting familiarise to the greens,ā he said.
With the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational being played over four rounds without a 36-hole cut, Jazz hopes to master the putting surfaces at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee from July 30 to August 2 with the aim of putting up a good result.
āFor sure, itāll be a different mindset for the WGC. You donāt need to worry about the cut and you can have go from the start. You can be more aggressive, which frees your mind up a little bit. Iām glad to be in the field and hope to play well,ā said Jazz.
He is also looking forward to meeting golf legend Jack Nicklaus, host of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, Ohio next week. With Woods confirmed to play at Muirfield where he has won five times previously, Jazz is pumped up.
āIāve heard a lot of good things about Jackās place and Iām excited to play there. Iāve read about Jack a lot, obviously the greatest player with 18 major wins. Growing up, it has always been Tiger vs Jackās record and itāll be special to be able to meetĀ Jack,ā he said.
With the PGA TOUR observing strict protocols under its Health and Safety Plan for tournaments to resume play, Jazz has felt at ease during the first two events. āI have felt safe ā¦ it was all good. I also usually eat take-outs so it was fine. There was no issue at all for me.
āWithout crowds on-site, it does feel a bit different. Itās good we have some volunteers on the course and they are cheering for good shots. We had all the best players for the first two events and it felt like being in a major.ā
He is still determined to earn his card on the PGA TOUR through the non-member FedExCup points list. āI wonāt give it up. All it takes is one or two good weeks. Who knows what can happen in this game? Iām just going to keep having fun and enjoy myself every time Iām out competing.ā
Fans in Thailand will be able to watch the Memorial Tournament and WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational on Golf Channel Thailand and GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR.
