Kiradech Aphibarnrat admits bolstering his distance in a bid to keep up with the rising stars on the DP World Tour is his focus as he bids to capitalise on familiar surroundings at the Porsche Singapore Classic.
The Thai returns to Laguna National this week hoping to go one better than last year when he lost out to Swede Jesper Svensson in a play-off.
With top tens already to his name so far this season in Australia and Ras Al Khaimah, Aphibarnrat has used recent weeks to focus on his bid to add distance and speed.
He played alongside big-hitting Casey Jarvis of South Africa on his most recent start in Qatar last month, and is hoping his efforts will help his cause to end a seven-year wait for his fifth DP World Tour title.
“I am working more in the gym," he said. "I realised that I am turning 36 (in July) and getting older every day.
"I played with a couple of young players in Doha [including] Casey Jarvis in the final round.
"He is 21 years old and I realised I am 15 years older than him so I have to spend more time in the gym to try and keep up with all the kids that are around.
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"It’s all about power. I’m trying to get more ball speed.
"The golf courses get longer and longer every year and we are getting older, hitting shorter and now I just need a couple more yards to play against these kids."
Aphibarnrat is one of several Asian hopes in the field at the opening event on the Asian Swing, the third of five Global Swings on the 2025 Race to Dubai.
His runner-up finish 12 months ago was his best result on Tour since finishing second at the BMW PGA Championship in 2021, and he is hoping to again rise to the challenge.
“There is always pressure to play around Asia,” he said.
“Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are all like my hometowns.
“I grew up a lot playing around Asia, back in the day with the Asian Tour, smaller events on the Asian Development Tour when I first turned professional.
“I am so glad that the DP World Tour are part of Asia as well so every time we come and play around Asia I am so happy to participate and be a part of the event.”
While he may have proven he has a liking for the layout at Laguna National, having produced a stunning final-round 64 last year, Aphibarnrat is keeping his expectations in check.
“Last year my iron play was very sharp,” he added.
“I don’t really want to set up goals so high, I want to fly with the confidence, just stick with my game, hitting fairways and greens.
“This week hitting the green is more important because there are a lot of slopes so if you put yourself in a good position you have a lot of opportunity to make a low score out there.
"I am trying to do everything that I can to make sure that I have that opportunity again."
