After nearly walking away from the sport last year due to his loneliness in the United States, Kiradech Aphibarnrat is once again enjoying his golf after producing a grandstand finish at Qualifying School to reclaim his top tier playing privileges for the 2023 DP World Tour season.
The 33-year-old made his first start on the 2023 Race to Dubai at last week’s Singapore Classic and now returns to home soil for the third edition of the Thailand Classic, which is being played for the first time in seven years.
“It’s really difficult for me to describe how happy I am right now,” said Aphibarnrat.
“To be practicing, playing, in front of my home country, the fans, I really enjoy it. The week hasn’t started yet – I’m not playing my best the last few years – but so far it’s the most happiness I’ve had in the last two years. Especially seeing Thongchai back in the field, it’s great to see a legend back in Thailand. It’s one of the best feelings.
“I’m playing better golf. Still not the best performances since my first six or seven years on Tour. But it’s getting there. The last six months I’ve been going in the right directions, working on the swing and at home with my mentality on the golf course. I think because I moved back on the DP World Tour, I feel more comfortable. It’s like home and all the players are like family.
“The DP World Tour staff, referees and staff behind the scenes. It feels like I’m back home again. We have a lot of chat and I feel comfortable. It’s the Tour I belong on.”
