Paradorn Srichaphan swaps rackets for clubs

Paradorn Srichaphan: File Photo

Thai superstar Paradorn Srichaphan is all set to take the next tentative steps on the path to a career on the greens. The former world No. 9 has worked diligently over the past two years to return to sport, after a wobbly wrist derailed his flourishing tennis career. The 33-year-old has entered the Singha Pattaya Open, a $100,000 event on the Asean PGA Tour. The event will begin this Thursday with Srichaphan looking for some early momentum to ensure he can play through the weekend. Srichaphan is following in the footsteps of Scott Draper, the 2005 mixed doubles champion at the Australian Open who also turned to golf after retiring from tennis in that year.

Srichaphan, the highest ranked singles player ever, had five titles- the last of which came in 2004 at Nottingham during the grass court season. The Thai retired from the sport in 2010, after a motorbike crash left him with two broken arms and a wrist. Even though he retired from the game, Srichaphan continued to coach the national Davis Cup team. His proximity to sport kept lighting the desire to return to an active life in it.

Eventually, Srichaphan succumbed to the temptation by taking to the greens after swapping tennis rackets for golf clubs. After practising for the past two years, the 33-year-old believes that the time is around the corner when he can achieve his dream of turning into a professional golfer. Srichaphan started practising golf in April 2011 and after putting in the hard yards, he is beginning to believe that slowly and surely he is on his way to earn a place on the tour.

“My goal is to be the first Asian athlete to change from another sport to professional golf,” Paradorn said. “I will turn professional this year. I put my time into this sport. I practice early morning and all day at golf.” An optimistic Srichaphan will be teeing off for only his second event on the Asean Tour. The former top ten star missed the cut at the Singha Esan Open in February this year. Thai company Singha Corporation had been a sponsor for Paradorn whilst he was a tennis player and their deep involvement with golf in the country has opened a few doors for the newly minted golfer.

“Singha used to sponsor me when I played tennis and they are supporting me with my golf,” he said. “They gave me an invitation for the Singha Esan Open and have offered me others (events) in the future. It is an opportunity to gain experience, walk and play with professional golfers and be around them, get used to the atmosphere of pro golf.”

Back to back rounds of 81 scuffled Srichaphan’s chances at the Singha Esan Open, but he is optimistic of an improved showing at this week’s event. The Asean tour is a feeder to the main tours around the globe and it is important for Srichaphan to gain success on the road to earn respect. Let us just wish the former tennis player just as much success on the greens as he enjoyed on the courts around the world.