LIV GOLF INVITATIONAL SERIES: BANGKOK

October 5, 2022

Sadom Kaewkanjana

Phachara Khongwatmai

Stonehill Golf Club

Press Conference

Q. Is there anything you're concerned about with LIV Golf Bangkok?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: There's no worries about playing LIV Golf Bangkok. Actually it's pride and also excitement for being here, playing in the home country, homeland, and also with the support of the local Thai fans.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: No worry, no concern for me, as well. It is an honor as well as a pleasure being here in Thailand, playing on home soil and also playing in front of our Thai supporters. I have learned a lot playing in LIV Golf and keep continue learning.

Q. What can you tell us about the course?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: It's equal for everybody because this is a brand new course. I have never played here in Stone Hill before, but this is the course that is the pride of the nation because it's one of the best courses ever played, and also it's being the host of LIV Golf Bangkok, so it's a pride of the country that we have a chance to host this event.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: The course condition is superb. It's one of the best I've ever played in Asia, and LIV Golf, also playing here is featuring that Thailand has a course that has a superb condition like this that's ready to be the host of any tournament.

Q. Both you guys talk about what it means to have a tournament like LIV here in Bangkok, what it means for the game, not just in Thailand but around Asia, inspiring a younger generation of talent to come through the ranks and what it means to have a tournament of this size, international players here, both personally and professionally what it means?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: LIV Golf is another option or opportunity, apart from the two main tours for the men. This is another option that they can start their career, they can pursue their career, and also it will be helping inspire a younger generation that's more options for them in the future as a pro.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: Because LIV Golf players are the best players in the world, it is a learning opportunity for the younger generation or the national team player or the amateur players who want to be pro to come to the venue and learn how the top professionals are playing, and it's also giving the opportunity to the whole region because we host in Thailand, but the other players from nearby countries also have a chance to travel to Thailand and learn and experience LIV.

Q. Both of you have played several LIV Golf in the U.S.; do you think there would be more opportunity for LIV Golf to move and play more in the Asian region? What is your feeling about that?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: The 2023 LIV Golf schedule has already been released. There will be more playing in Asia, including in Singapore. For me, it is an advantage because the weather here in Asia is more temperate for the Asians. We have the climate advantage. But to be a good player you should be able to adapt and play worldwide, but if there is an opportunity, that would be great.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: Similar to Phachara, the schedule playing in Singapore and also in Australia, but if there is an opportunity to play around the world, because LIV Golf should be a global tournament, we are more than happy to travel the world and also to inspire others and also to feature LIV Golf tournaments around the globe.

Q. What are the expectations for the Iron Heads this week, because you almost won once.

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: Definitely Iron Heads is trying more, but the course setup is very long. Might not be suitable for our team. There are some teams that hit it a bit longer. But because we are two, we have local support. We will be playing with a little bit of advantage from the heart. Hopefully we will do well this week.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: The relationship with the Iron Heads team is very good. We have a strong relationship with all the players. There are more and more Thai fans who are supporting Iron Heads. Therefore maybe they'll lift up our spirit and we'll play well here.

Q. Have you been taking your captain Kevin Na anywhere?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: Not yet, but plan to have maybe some meals together.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: We will be going for a team meeting, dinner or something once for sure.

Q. Because of the format of LIV Golf, it's different from elsewhere. In your opinion what is the advantage? What do you like about it?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: LIV may be a little bit different. We have music playing within the golf course, but in reality, golf, you have lots of fans with lots of noise anywhere. Therefore they try to limit the sound. It's so fun, but it doesn't really interfere with the players, so we have no problem with that.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: Because LIV Golf has a limited playing schedule, it's good for the players to have the opportunity to stay with their family, spending their personal time. One good thing is that LIV is looking after their players so well, and the cheering and the sound. It is very exciting for me because you have more fans, you have new generations, you have louder cheering, which is good, and makes golf entertaining.

Q. Are you looking forward to riding the tuk-tuks out on the course?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: The opportunity for us to be riding tuk-tuks during the rain if they stop the play and we have to ride back for the evacuation, but otherwise Thais have been riding tuk-tuks on many occasions, especially in Chinatown, so it's nothing new, but it's good to have tuk-tuks here.

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: Tuk-tuk is one of the Thai symbols. I have sat in a tuk-tuk but not riding before. I hope I have a chance to ride the tuk-tuk or be a driver this time.

Q. I heard team Iron Heads had a bet and that PK lost the bet. Tell us about the bet and what you lost.

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: The bet was a competition on the par-3, the longest or furthest from the pin you will be losing the bet. My ball wasn't on the green, so I was the one who lost the bet. The agreement was that if you lose the bet, you have to eat the most strangest thing in Thailand, so I had to eat a worm. Eat the worm, throw up, finish.

Q. Was it delicious, the taste of it?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: It will be only once in my life eating the worm, not any more.

Q. What would you recommend to the rest of the LIV players that haven't been to Thailand before? There's many nights; what would you recommend to the players to do at night?

PHACHARA KHONGWATMAI: There's many tourist attractions in Bangkok, especially near the hotel, the official hotel for the players. It's alongside the river. There's many good places around there. You can dine with good food along the river. You have some massage and you can do a lot of shopping around there.

Q. What about a Muay Thai boxing match?

SADOM KAEWKANJANA: Muay Thai is recommended once in your life to be there at the arena, to see the boxers fighting in our traditional fighting style. It would be fun. Lots of foreigners go there.