Home hero Thongchai Jaidee has vowed to support the Thailand Classic for as long as possible after safely making it through to the weekend at the age of 53.
Jaidee is a golfing superstar in his native Thailand, having made history in 2004 as the first Thai player to win on the DP World Tour.
Now an eight-time winner, having claimed his most recent title at the 100th Open de France in 2016, Jaidee proved he is still more than capable of competing against the younger generation as he posted rounds of 69 and 70 on Thursday and Friday respectively at Amata Spring Country Club.
Jaidee is thrilled to be teeing it up on home soil, and gave the DP World Tour a warm welcome back to Thailand after seven years, taking staff out for a meal before the event.
After his second round, the former paratrooper said: "I would like to say thank you to the DP World Tour for having this tournament in Thailand.
"I'm very happy to be at a tournament out here. I would like to support a tournament here in Thailand.
"Amazing golf course, the golf course is in nice shape. I'm really enjoying it.
"Hopefully the DP World Tour will come again for the next few years and in the future I look forward to seeing this tournament stay in Thailand. I would love to support this tournament as long as I can.
"I'm enjoying my life, enjoying playing golf and enjoying supporting the DP World Tour as well."
TJ = Absolute Legend 👏🏻👏🏻
— Ross Fisher (@RossFisher) February 16, 2023
Jaidee turned in 35 on Friday after mixing three birdies with two bogeys, and he made two more gains after the turn before a closing bogey took him into the weekend on five under par.
He added: "I am very happy with my game today. Two under for me is a good round for today."
