Kiradech Aphibarnrat, right, won the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play last year
The man dubbed the Asian John Daly can’t wait to head to Castle Stuart after his triumph on Scottish soil last year.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat won the inaugural Paul Lawrie Match Play at Murcar Links last August – his first European Tour success outside of Asia.
The 26-year-old from Thailand proved a handy links player in last year’s final when he defeated Robert Karlsson on the 18th hole, which included a monstrous 380yd drive on Murcar’s par 4 11th.
The big-hitting Aphibarnrat will be looking to produce more of his booming drives at Castle Stuart.
He said: “I always look forward to going back to Scotland, especially after my victory in Aberdeen last year.
“The Paul Lawrie Match Play was my last event in Scotland so I can’t wait to go back.
“It is an important week before the Open but the Scottish Open is already one of the biggest events on the tour.
“I am actually not that big a lover of links golf but I have been trying to get used to it.
“I have got a lot of experience from the three and a half years I have spent on the European Tour.
“I am learning how to play those types of golf courses in the different winds so hopefully I can have a good week.”
Kiradech Aphibarnrat… He’s been labelled the Asian John Daly
