Unknown Thai storms onto the leaderboard
He is known as Asia’s version of John Daly but little-known Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand made a name for himself by climbing into contention at the PGA Championship on Thursday.
The 24-year-old’s hefty physique and big-hitting, go-for-broke style of play have drawn comparisons to Daly and he lived up to the billing, finishing with a 2-under 68 in the opening round, three shots ahead of Tiger Woods.
Aphibarnrat, who changed his name for good luck and gave up car racing three years ago to appease his mother, showed no nerves while playing in only his second major, where he hopes to improve on his missed cut at last month’s British Open.
“It was great golf for me and a good start for my second major,” Aphibarnrat said after his round.
“I was doing good in the (British) Open but struggled in the second round. I was a bit nervous, but I have learned from the experience of that major and will just try to work it out on the game tomorrow.”
Aphibarnrat, who started golfing when he was eight, welcomes the comparisons to Daly, who won the 1991 PGA Championship.
“I played with him a couple of times and I am really proud with that (comparison),” Aphibarnrat said.
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