Thailand Open drawcard Liang Wenchong of China shone at the PGA Championship with a confidence-boosting eighth place finish in the final Major of the season.
A course record eight-under-par 64 at fearsome Whistling Straits on the shores of Lake Michigan in the third round set up the former Asian number one for a career best showing in a Major. This latest finish ranks him 60th in the world this week.
Liang finished with a one over 73 for a four-round total of eight under 280.
“I really want to take this opportunity to thank my coach (Kel Llewllyn) who has been working with me for the past three years, to change my swing, so now I'm more relaxed and very comfortable with my swing. And the other thing is I know to remain calm and not let the Major pressure get to me,” said the 32-year-old Liang after his 64.
The US$1 million Thailand Open, the sixth leg of the OneAsia season, will be played at Burapha Golf Club near Pattaya from August 26-29.
Liang is currently second on OneAsia’s Order of Merit with winnings of US$313,200 following victory in the season-opening Luxehills Chengdu Open and a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Open presented by Enjoy Jakarta.
A win for Liang at the Thailand Open would see him leapfrog Korean Y. E. Yang - winner of the Volvo China Open - into first place with five tournaments remaining on the 2010 schedule.
Liang has set his sights on winning the Order of Merit on fledgling OneAsia and has already committed to defend his title at the Midea China Classic to be staged at the Royal Orchid International Golf Club from October 14-17.
