
Kiradech Aphibarnrat
Thailand (THA)
Began life as Anujit Hirunratanakorn – his birth name – but his family decided to change his identity for good luck. Known for his go-for-broke style of play, he won his age group at the Junior World Golf Championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2007 he was on the gold medal team at the World University Games. Produced a magnificent finish to the 2015 Shenzhen International in China to claim his second European Tour title, beating home favourite Li Haotong with a birdie at the first playoff hole. Added another title in August that year at the Paul Lawrie Match Play in Scotland. Those victories helped put a difficult spell behind him, during which he suffered a loss of form following the death of his coach, Natpasit Chokthanasar, in December 2013.