After turning professional last year after he won the Double A International in Rayong, Chinarat has faced many tough tests, including playing against some world-class golfers which has helped him gain more experience and taught him how to play like a pro.

"There were many solid players and the courses were very tough. I had to adapt my style and be well prepared," said the 17-year-old.

"However, I didn't have any pressure while playing since I only concentrated on my game. Everybody can be the winner, so I just try to do my best and compete against myself.

"I know I'm still young and have to learn more. My objective this season is to be in the top 60 on the Asian tour." For the next tournament Chinarat will play in the US$1.8 million China Open, which will be staged from April 13-16 at the Hong Hua Golf Club in Beijing. He hopes to make the cut and finish in the top 20.

He has played in six tournaments since early this year and his best result was in the Malaysian Open, where he finished joint sixth. In his other tournaments, Chinarat made the cut at both the Indonesia Open and the Singapore Masters and has already earned $47,282 to be 21st on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit.

Meanwhile, local junior golfers will have a chance to sharpen their skills in the UBC International Junior Golf Tournament, which will kick off from April 4-7 at the Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country Club in Phetchaburi.

Presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the four-day meet draws a total of 200 young golfers from eight countries - China, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India and Thailand.

The competition will be divided into five classes and each winner will be award a trophy from Privy Councillor President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

Somporn Suphop,

Alitta Tangrungruengkit

The Nation