Thai star aims to make the cut at Masters

Asian Tour No. 1 Thaworn Wiratchant is aiming to become the first Thai golfer to make the cut in all four rounds at the Masters after receiving a special invitation to play in this week's event. The 46-year-old Asian Tour veteran star won three times last year and became the oldest player to win the Order of Merit on the circuit. Thaworn now has 17 international victories. Countrymen Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and Sukree Onsham have previously competed at Augusta National, but Thaworn hopes to do what none of them managed and reach the last two rounds. "I'll try to make the cut. That would be the goal," Thaworn said. "If I don't make it, then I want to ensure that I had played my best. The players at the Masters are all good players and it is a very challenging golf course." Thaworn's prior major appearance was at the 2006 British Open where he shared 31st. But he made an impression last month at Doral with a pair of 69s in a World Golf Championship event before settling for a share of 53rd place. Thaworn has worked on his long irons to cope with the 7,435-yard Augusta National layout but knows the undulating greens will provide their own test. "From what I've seen, you have to be good in every department, especially around the greens, which are very fast and tricky," Thaworn said. "I'm sure it will be really challenging." Thaworn has received some advice from Prayad as well as 2007 Masters winner Zach Johnson. "Some of the advice has been very helpful, but I will adjust my routine accordingly," Thaworn said. "If I miss the cut, I may get criticism but if I make the cut, the story may change. This is natural. I accept that. "And I will focus on my routine rather than thinking about what others might think. This is my chance of being in a wonderful event so I will spend as long as I can at the tournament and I will try my best to play four days." He also hopes to inspire younger players to earn their way to the Masters. "This is good for me and certainly good for many other players who want to play in the Masters and the other majors," Thaworn said. "If I can make it at my age, the younger players will have a chance as well." From: AFP