Thongchai & Matsuyama set for World Cup of Golf  09:30, 16/08/2016

Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne/ Source: Internet

Asia’s top golfers will play for national pride as they represent their countries in the World Cup of Golf which will revert to its previous format where the two members of each team will combine in the fourball and foursomes format in Australia. Defending champions Australia will be represented by world number one Jason Day and Adam Scott.

While the highest-ranked players from their respective countries have officially qualified and committed to the World Cup of Golf, players have until August 26 to choose their playing partner. Some players have opted to do so already, while others will take their time in deciding their teammate.
Thongchai, the only man to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, said: “I’m looking forward to playing in my fifth World Cup of Golf in Melbourne. With the tournament reverting to a combined team format, I believe it will be very exciting for players and I hope to put up a strong showing with my partner, whom I will announce later.

Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand/ Source: Internet

Top-ranked Day and the world’s seventh-ranked Scott will reunite to defend the World Cup of Golf title for Australia following their popular home victory in 2013. Other leading nations who have committed to the storied tournament include England’s Lee Westwood and Danny Willet, the reigning Masters Tournament champion. American world number six Bubba Watson has also committed to the World Cup of Golf and will name his partner later.

Jason Day and Adam Scott

Tabuena, 21, is excited to make his first appearance in the World Cup of Golf. He won his first Asian Tour victory at his national Open last December, earned his Major debut at the U.S. Open in June and featured in the recent Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

China’s Wu, who was victorious in Austria on the European Tour in June, has fond memories of his World Cup of Golf debut in Melbourne three years ago. He said: “It is fantastic that I will be heading back to Melbourne to represent China in the World Cup of Golf as it was there that I made my tournament debut in 2013. I enjoyed my time in Royal Melbourne and I look forward to playing well at Kingston Heath.

Korea’s An, who also participated in the Olympic Games last week, is looking forward to representing his country in his first World Cup of Golf appearance. “It’s always great and I take pride in representing our country. There will be a little less pressure than the Olympics, but it is definitely an event that I want to play well in. It will be my first time playing in Australia. I remember watching the Presidents Cup in Australia and thinking that I hope to play in Australia some day.”

The 2016 World Cup of Golf will mark the fifth time in the tournament’s history that it will be played in Australia and the first at any course other than Royal Melbourne.