Thai teenager Phachara Khongwatmai, the youngest competitor at The Open this week, only has one goal at Royal Troon which is to have loads of fun.
The 17-year-old Asian Tour newcomer has been like a kid in a candy store since arriving at the famous Scottish links last week, absorbing in the thrill and excitement of featuring in his maiden Major appearance.
âIâm very happy to be the youngest boy to play in the Open which is the oldest championship in the world. Iâm proud and feel lucky that I have a chance to play in an event like this. Itâs like an accident that Iâm here,â said a smiling Phachara.
âI didnât expect to get a chance to play in a Major so soon in my career. If I make the cut here, Iâll be happy. If I donât make the cut, Iâm also happy. Only the best players are here at The Open.â
The Thai whizz kid certainly didnât earn his place at The Open by accident.
The youngster finished an impressive sixth at a star-laden Thailand Golf Championship â a designated Open Qualifying Series event â last December where he beat the likes of Ryder Cup stars Martin Kaymer, Nicholas Colsaerts and Bubba Watson in the Asian Tour event.
With a first name that means âdiamondâ, his prodigious game has sparkled to catch the eye of many golf fans and players. In July, 2013, he became the youngest golfer at 14 years old to win a professional tournament in his native Thailand and early last year, he became the youngest to win on the Asian Development Tour.
Phacharaâs presence at Royal Troon for the yearâs third Major has attracted keen media interests with sports networks Fox Sports and NBC conducting interviews with the Thai.
âIâm feeling happy. I want to have my best time and play my best every day. I think links course is harder than the courses in Thailand as itâs really tough. But Iâll play Thai-style this week,â he laughed.
âIâm looking to have fun when Iâm on the golf course. If I put pressure on myself, I wonât play well.â
He feels comfortable playing in chilly conditions and started working with compatriot Kiradech Aphibarnratâs coach recently to widen his array of shots in hope of tackling the Scottish links.
âIâve practiced both hitting the low shots and also the high shots which you need when the wind is with you,â said Phachara.
âItâs a tough golf course. But I think my bunker play, chipping and putting are my strong parts. I donât want to get too worried about the obstacles here. I will try to relax and hopefully play well.â
Phachara shrugged off an inquisitorâs suggestion of winning this week, saying itâs ânot good luckâ. However, the youngster subsequently displayed his growing maturity.
âIâm not thinking about winning Majors right now. I lack experience, itâs not the time to think about winning Majors,â he said.
âBut later in my career, yes, I want to win Major titles. This week is my learning experience. If make cut, Iâll be the youngest boy to make the cut this week. I hope other young Thai boys will also take the step and get the chance to play in a Major.â
With Englandâs Luke Donald being his inspiration, Phachara turned pro at a tender age before turning 15, saying that it was the best way to get better in the game.
âI wanted to improve my game quickly. I want to be the best that I can be. If I stayed on as an amateur, I wouldnât improve. I wanted to play as a pro as there is halfway cuts and you earn prize money which is challenging. Itâs more fun to play against the pros,â he said with another laugh.