10 Things You Didn't Know About Kiradech Aphibarnrat

Kiradech Aphibarnrat watches his approach shot

(Image credit: Getty Images)

By Matt Cradock

published 24 March 2024

10 Things You Didn't Know About Kiradech Aphibarnrat

1. Kiradech Aphibarnrat was born 23rd July 1989 in Bangkok, Thailand.

2. In both 2003 and 2004, Aphibarnrat won his age group at the Junior World Golf Championships

3. Four years after his win in 2004, he turned professional

4. He was previously known as Anujit Hirunratanakorn, but his family decided to change his name for good luck

Kiradech Aphibarnrat lifts the World Super 6 trophy — Aphibarnrat celebrates his World Super 6 victory in 2018

5. His first professional victory came just a year after turning professional in 2009, with the Thai player winning the Mercedes-Benz Tour's Singha Pattaya Open by 11 strokes

6. He owns a number of sports cars and has been seen previously driving models from manufacturers like Ferrari

7. After claiming a few wins on the DP World Tour, Aphibarnrat secured his PGA Tour card for the 2018–19 season. He became the first PGA Tour member from Thailand in the process

8. In 2016, Aphibarnrat got married on Valentine's Day, with the Thai player delaying his honeymoon to tee it up at the Maybank Championship Malaysia. His wedding ceremony included a hot air balloon ride over Singha Park in Thailand

9. He is known for playing the 'Thai Spinner' chip shot

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10. After a dip in form, Aphibarnrat opened up about his struggles of playing in the USA and how it made him feel 'lonely'.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x