Thongchai Jaidee

Undoubtedly one of the greatest Asian players of all time, Thongchai Jaidee holds the record for most career Asian Tour earnings, is second in victories (13) and has won three Order of Merit titles. He also boasts one of the most interesting stories of any player on Tour. The Thai hero picked up the game at age 16 by fashioning a club from the discarded head of a five iron tied to a bamboo stick. Following time spent as a paratrooper in the Royal Thai Army, Jaidee turned professional at the comparatively advanced age of 30 and quickly found success. He won his first Order of Merit title in 2001 and in 2004 became the first Thai to win a European Tour event by claiming the Malaysian Open. Despite battling injury through much of 2012, Jaidee had four top-10s, including one victory, and finished among the Race to Dubai top-30.

Recent Professional Victories

2012: ISPS Handa Wales Open
2010: Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open
2009: Indonesian Open, Ballantine’s Championship
2008: Vietnam Masters, Cambodian Open
2006: Volvo Masters of Asia
2005: Malaysian Open
2004: Malaysian Open, Myanmar Open
2003: Volvo Masters of Asia
2002: Myanmar Open
2001: Indian Open
2000: Korean Open

Professional Team Competitions

World Cup: '07, '08, '09
VISA Dynasty Cup: ’03, ‘05
The Royal Trophy: ’06, ’07, ’09, ’10, ‘11

Profile

 

Name:
Thongchai Jaidee
Born:
November 8, 1969
Country:
Thailand
Sport:
PGA European Tour
Asian Tour
Turned pro:
1999
Interest:
Tour Hybrid