As the Ceremonial Opening Shot of the third edition of the Royal Trophy approaches, Thai golfing hero Thongchai Jaidee continues his preparation for the clash of Continents. The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion will be one of the two Asian Team members to join thirty time tournament title winner Captain Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki at the CentralWorld Square on Tuesday January 6 at 4:30pm for the special ceremony marking the start of the Championship. On the European side, Team Captain and two-time Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal will also be accompanied by two of his Team Players at the 100-meter purpose-built par 3 hole set-up right in downtown Bangkok.

The former Royal Thai Army paratrooper had the opportunity to share his feelings on playing for Asia at the important Event as the Players from both Continents start to land in Bangkok.

Question:
You have won the Asian Tour Order of Merit twice and have won titles in the Asian and European Tours. How important is it for you to represent Asia at the Royal Trophy?

Thongchai Jaidee:
To be selected to play for Asia for the third consecutive time is a huge honor. I am really excited about competing to gain stewardship of the Royal Trophy for Asia.

Question:
The Europeans have won the first two editions of the Royal Trophy. How difficult of a challenge will it be for you and your team mates?

Thongchai Jaidee:
We will be trying to wrestle stewardship of the Royal Trophy from the Europeans – who have had great success in the Ryder Cup over the past decade and have a large pool of very strong players to count on. We have a very important challenge ahead of us – a challenge that I am very much looking forward to facing.

Question:
How do you feel about the possibility of being paired with Prayad Marksaeng?

Thongchai Jaidee:
I would be very happy to be paired with Prayad. He has had a great year and together we can produce high quality golf. We are comfortable with each other and we know each other’s game well.

Question:
Apart from Prayad, what other Players in the Asian Team would you like to be paired with?

Thongchai Jaidee:
The pairings are up to Captain Ozaki, and whatever they are he can count on me going out and playing my heart out.

Question:
The Royal Trophy was donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand. Please tell us your feelings in this regard.

Thongchai Jaidee:
Retaining the Royal Trophy which was graciously donated by His Majesty the King would be one of the proudest moments of my career. We have a lot of work ahead of us but I am confident we can do it. I will fight for the win with all my energy and strength.

The Royal Trophy Ceremonial Opening Shot will provide an opportunity for fans to come close to the six star golfers. The European and Asian Team members will face the challenge of striking a wedge tee shot to a four hundred square meter green. On the right side of the par three hole the Players face one of Bangkok’s busiest roads while on the left side sits the imposing CentralWorld Shopping Complex. Admission is free. For information or privilege passes, please visit www.TheRoyalTrophy.com or call +662 651 9499.