Srichaphan Is Aiming For A Career In Golf

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 16th April 2013

Srichaphan Is Aiming For A Career In Golf

WIM18 - 20020628, WIMBLEDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand plays a forehand during the third round match against Dutch Richard Krajicek at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, 28 June 2002. EPA PHOTO GERRY PENNY |

Top flight tennis and golf has had more than its share of links in recent years with romantic liaisons involving Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic, Daniela Hantuchova and of course Chris Evert. But former top-10 tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan is now hopeful of making a professional transition from the show courts to the golf course as he prepares to make his mark on Southeast Asia’s ASEAN PGA Tour.

Srichaphan, who since retiring from the ATP World Tour in 2010, has tried his luck with politics, business, motorbike racing and acting. He also spent time as a Buddhist monk and only took up golf two years ago.

A childhood friend who became a golf professional introduced 33 year-old Srichaphan to the game and the former world no.9 who now practices daily at clubs in Bangkok and Pattaya, is full of optimism.

“My goal is to be the first Asian athlete to change from another sport to professional golf,” said Srichaphan. “Scott Draper from Australia was a top 50 player in the world at tennis, turned pro in Australia playing golf. He was the first one.

“I want to create history for a Thai athlete. I will turn professional this year. I put my time into this sport. I practice early morning and all day at golf. ”

On Thursday Srichaphan will contest the US$100,000 Singha Pattaya Open at Burapha Golf Club. It will be his second tournament on the regional circuit after two rounds of 81 meant he missed the cut at the Singha Esan Open in February.

The experience did not dishearten him. “Over the two days, I was happy with my performance,” he said. “I hit a lot of good shots and I managed to save par a lot,” the amateur said. “Two birdies is not a lot, but I try to do my best.

“A couple of holes I had an eight and a seven … if I could have avoided that, it would have been a better score.”