TheSportsCampus

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee believes that he can play his way back to golf aristocracy with a winning performance at the Avantha Masters which tees off at the DLF Golf and Country Club from February 16-19. Since winning his 13th Asian Tour title in Cambodia in 2010, the Thai has failed to reach his earlier heights which have seen him win a record three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles.

Plagued by injuries all season, the closest Thongchai got to returning to the winner's circle was a second place finish behind England's Lee Westwood at the inaugural Indonesian Masters last year.

The decorated Thai star is however upbeat about the new season ahead and believes that he can reignite his form in the country where he first sustained his injury.

"I had a back injury after India and that didn't help with my season. However, I'm quite confident this year will be a better year compared to last year," said Thongchai.

Heading back to the gym to stay fit and keep himself free of injuries was the first step towards returning to his winning ways.

The daily practises at the putting green was also another regular feature in Thongchai's training regime

"My fitness level is about 85 to 90% now as I've been putting in more hours in the gym and that has helped," said Thongchai.

"I also struggled with my putting last year so I've put in extra hours on my putting. I've changed a bit of my swing and putting with my coach Peter Wolfenstetter and the work is starting to show in my game," added the Thai.

While the sapping and brutal pressures of golf can be a mental test for many, it's a test that Thongchai relishes as it helps to keep him at the top of his game.

"One of the positive aspects of my game is that I'm never worried. I'm happy with my golf game and I enjoy my life. I like playing golf and training and that's kept me going all these years," said Thongchai.

Thongchai's bid for his 14th Asian Tour victory will be put to the test by an elite field that features India's Jeev Milkha Singh and defending champion S.S.P. Chowrasia, 2010 Avantha Masters winner Andrew Dodt of Australia and two-time Major winner John Daly of the United States

The Avantha Masters, which is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and PGTI, holds a significant place on the Asian Tour Schedule as it is the richest tournament in India, thanks to its US$2.3 million prize fund.

It also enjoys the honour of being the first of the four events scheduled to be played in India this season.