Who's who: Thongchai Jaidee

  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Prince's GC, England
  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Terras da Comporta, Dunas
  • Monte Rei G&CC
  • Marco Simone GC (Italy); host of the Ryder Cup 2023
  • Pebble Beach host of the US Open; US Women's Open; Pebble Beach Pro-Am
  • Marco Simone GC

Who's who: Thongchai Jaidee

  • Name:

    Thongchai Jaidee
  • Country:

    Thailand
  • Born:

    Nov 8, 1969 in Lopburi, Thailand (130 km N of Bangkok).
  • Original/Home Club:

  • Occupation:

    Professional golfer
  • Turned Pro:

    1999

Roll of Honour

Presidents Cup player (2015). Multiple wins on the Asian and European Tours. Asian Tour Order of Merit winner (2001, '04, '09).

Did you know?

Jaidee turned professional at the age of 30, having previously served in the Royal Thai Army as a paratrooper/ranger. He joined the Asian Tour in 1999 and quickly became a consistent and regular winner, topping the Asian Tour Order of Merit three times in the 2000s. He now holds the record for the most career earnings on the Asian Tour and is second in victories (to Thaworn Wiratchant) having won 13 times.

In 2004 Jaidee became the first player from Thailand to win on the European Tour. A keen footballer in his youth, Jaidee now develops young golfers through his own golf academy, established in his home town of Lopburi.

Top tournaments won by Thongchai Jaidee

2023
America
202 (-14)
$345,000
Pure Ins.

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

202 (-14)

Prize money

$345,000

Title sponsor

Pure Ins.

Played as the Pure Insurance Championship (Sept 22-24). Thongchai Jaidee (Thai) beat Justin Leonard (USA) with a par at the fourth playoff hole (par-5 18th), to record his second PGA Tour Champions win. [Pebble Beach Golf Links & Poppy Hills GC, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Final round at Pebble Beach].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

202 (-14)

Prize money

$360,000

Title sponsor

AmFam Ins

Played as the American Family Insurance Championship (June 10-12). Second-placed Tom Pernice Jr (USA) finished 1 shot behind 52-year-old Thongchai Jaidee (Thai), who recorded his first win on the PGA Tour Champions, in his 19th start on the Tour. He became the first Thai golfer to win on the Tour. [University Ridge GC, Madison, Wisconsin].

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

273 (-11)

Prize money

€583,330

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Open de France (100th) (Jun 30-Jul 3). Second-placed Francesco Molinari (Italy) finished 4 shots behind Jaidee (Thai), who recorded his eighth European Tour win. [Albatros course, Golf National, Guyancourt, nr Paris].

2015
Europe
267 (-17)
€333,330
Porsche

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

267 (-17)

Prize money

€333,330

Title sponsor

Porsche

Played as the Porsche European Open (Sept 24-27; for the first time since 2009). Second-placed Graeme Storm (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Jaidee (Thai), who recorded his seventh European Tour win. [Beckenbauer course, Quellness Resort, Bad Griesbach, Bavaria; at the time known as the Hartl Resort].

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

€250,000

Title sponsor

Nordea

Played as the Nordea Masters (May 29-Jun 1). Thongchai Jaidee (Thai) beat Victor Dubuisson (Fra) and Stephen Gallacher (Scot) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Lakes course, PGA of Sweden Natl GC, Malmo, Sweden].

2013
Awards
69.46
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

69.46

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour over a minimum of 40 rounds. Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thai) was second with 69.68; Rikard Karlberg (Swe) was third with 70.26.

2012
Europe
278 (-6)
€372,720
ISPS Handa

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

278 (-6)

Prize money

€372,720

Title sponsor

ISPS Handa

Played as the ISPS Handa Wales Open (May 31-Jun 3). Second-placed Thomas Bjørn (Den), Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño (Esp), Joost Luiten (Neth) and Richard Sterne (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Thongchai Jaidee (Thai), who claimed his fifth European Tour win, and first on European soil. [Twenty Ten course, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales].

2011
Awards
69.84
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

69.84

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour over a minimum of 40 rounds, for the fourth straight year. Prayad Marksaeng (Thai) was second with 70.09; Jeev Milkha Singh (India) was third with 70.47.

2010
Awards
68.97
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

68.97

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour over a minimum of 40 rounds, for the third straight year. Seung-yul Noh (S Kor) was second with 69.39.

2010
Asia
267 (-21)
US$47,550
Johnnie Walker

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

267 (-21)

Prize money

US$47,550

Title sponsor

Johnnie Walker

Played as the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open (Dec 9-12; Asian Tr event). Second-placed Kenichi Kuboya (Jpn) finished 4 shots behind Jaidee (Thai), who claimed his 13th Asian Tour title. [Phokeethra CC, Siem Reap, Cambodia].

2009
Awards
69.06
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

69.06

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour over a minimum of 40 rounds, for the second straight year. Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) was second with 69.65; Prayad Marksaeng (Thai) was third with 69.77.

2009
Asia
276 (-12)
US$208,330
Enjoy Jakarta

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

276 (-12)

Prize money

US$208,330

Title sponsor

Enjoy Jakarta

Played as the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open (Feb 26-Mar 1; Asian/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Simon Dyson (Eng), Alex Noren (Swe) and Steve Webster (Eng) finished 2 shots behind Jaidee (Thai), who claimed his third European Tour win and eleventh Asian Tour victory. [New Kuta GC, Pecatu, Bali].

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) won the Asian Tour Players' Player of the Year Award, based on the votes of his peers.

2009
Awards
$981,931
see Score
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

$981,931

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) won his third Asian Tour Order of Merit, with 2009 earnings of US$981,931 on the Tour. Wen-chong Liang (China) was second with $779,580; Anthony Kang (USA) was third with $411,062.

2009
Asia
Pinx GC
284 (-4)
US$457,249
Ballantine's

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Pinx GC

Score

284 (-4)

Prize money

US$457,249

Title sponsor

Ballantine's

Played as the Ballantine's Championship (April 23-26; Asian/Eurpn Trs event). Jaidee (Thai) beat Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño (Esp) and Sunghoon Kang (S Kor) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Pinx GC, Jeju Island, S Korea].

2008
Awards
69.50
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

69.50

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour over a minimum of 40 rounds.

2008
Asia
264 (-24)
US$47,550
Johnnie Walker

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

264 (-24)

Prize money

US$47,550

Title sponsor

Johnnie Walker

Played as the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open (Dec 11-14; Asian Tr event). Second-placed Chih Bing Lam (Sing) finished 6 shots behind Jaidee (Thai), who claimed his second straight win on the Asian Tour. [Phokeethra CC, Siem Reap, Cambodia].

2008
Asia
273 (-15)
US$79,250
Hana Bank

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

US$79,250

Title sponsor

Hana Bank

Played as the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters (Nov 22-25; Asian Tr event). Jaidee (Thai) beat Rhys Davies (Wales) with a par at the third playoff hole. Andrew Dodt (Aus) was eliminated at the second playoff hole. [East course, Vietnam G&CC, Ho Chi Min City (Saigon), Vietnam].

2006
Asia
277 (-11)
US$104,000
Volvo

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Thai CC

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

US$104,000

Title sponsor

Volvo

Played as the Volvo Masters of Asia (Dec 14-17; Asian Tr season-ending event). Second-placed Frankie Minoza (Phil) finished 1 shot behind Jaidee (Thai). [Thai CC, Bangkok, Thailand].

2005
Awards
70.02
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

70.02

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour over a minimum of 40 rounds, for the second straight year.

2005
Asia
267 (-21)
US$201,660
Carlsberg

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

267 (-21)

Prize money

US$201,660

Title sponsor

Carlsberg

Played as the Carlsberg Malaysian Open (Feb 17-20; Asian/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Jyoti Randhawa (India) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Jaidee (Thai). [Palm course, Saujana G&CC, nr Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia].

2004
Asia
274 (-14)
US$201,660
Carlsberg

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

US$201,660

Title sponsor

Carlsberg

Played as the Carlsberg Malaysian Open (Feb 19-22; Asian/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Brad Kennedy (Aus) finished 2 shots behind Jaidee (Thai), who claimed back-to-back Asian Tour wins. Jaidee became the first Thai golfer to win on the European Tour. [Palm course, Saujana G&CC, nr Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia].

2004
Awards
69.58
n/a
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

69.58

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) recorded the season's lowest scoring average on the Asian Tour.

2004
Awards
x
Johnnie Walker

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

Title sponsor

Johnnie Walker

Jaidee (thai) won the Johnnie Walker Asian Player of the Year Award.

2004
Awards
$381,930
see Score
Asian Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

$381,930

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) won his second Asian Tour Order of Merit, with 2004 season earnings of $381,929 on the Tour. Jyoti Randhawa (Ind) was second with $351,710; Simon Yates (Scot) was third with $310,988.

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

Title sponsor

Asian Tr

Jaidee (Thai) won the Asian Tour Players' Player of the Year Award, based on the votes of his peers.

2004
Asia
Yangon GC
276 (-12)
US$32,300
x

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Yangon GC

Score

276 (-12)

Prize money

US$32,300

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Myanmar Open (Feb 12-15; Asian Tr event). Second-placed Andrew Pitts (USA) finished 3 shots behind Jaidee (Thai), who won this event for the second time in three years. [Yangon GC, Yangon, Myanmar (Rangoon, Burma)].

2003
Asia
265 (-19)
US$90,000
Volvo

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

265 (-19)

Prize money

US$90,000

Title sponsor

Volvo

Played as the Volvo Masters of Asia (Dec 11-14; Asian Tr season-ending event). Second-placed Keng-chi Lin (Taiw) finished 1 shot behind Jaidee (Thai). [Bangkok GC, Bangkadi, Bangkok, Thailand].

2002
Asia
Yangon GC
277 (-11)
US$32,300
x

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Yangon GC

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

US$32,300

Title sponsor

x

Played as the London Myanmar Open (Feb 7-10; Asian Tr event). Jaidee (Thai) beat Edward Loar (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole. [Yangon GC, Yangon, Myanmar (Rangoon, Burma)].

2001
Asia
271 (-17)
US$50,010
Wills

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Score

271 (-17)

Prize money

US$50,010

Title sponsor

Wills

Played as the Wills Indian Open (March 15-18; Asian Tr event). Second-placed Ross Bain (Scot) finished 1 shot behind Jaidee (Thai). [Classic G&CC, ITC Grand Bharat Resort, New Delhi, India].

2001
Awards
$353,060
see Score
Davidoff

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Score

$353,060

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

Davidoff

Jaidee (Thai) won the Asian Tour 2001 Davidoff Order of Merit, with earnings of US$353,060 on the Tour. Charlie Wi (S Kor) was second with $315,857; Andrew Pitts (USA) was third with $144,393.

2000
Asia
Hanyang CC
278 (-10)
Kolon

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Jaidee, Thongchai

Venue

Hanyang CC

Score

278 (-10)

Prize money

Title sponsor

Kolon

Played as the Kolon Cup Korea Open (Oct 5-8; Asian/Korean Trs event). Second-placed Craig Kamps (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Jaidee (Thai), who recorded his first Asian Tour win. [Hanyang CC, Goyang, nr Seoul, S Korea].

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