'I thoroughly enjoyed the experience'

Thongchai Jaidee was thrilled after winning the Second World Sand Golf Championship, following a closely-contested play-off with South African Charl Schwartzel.

"This is the second play-off I am winning in my career. The earlier one was in Myanmar," said Jaidee.

"There was an element of luck in my final putt which was an uphill one," said the winner, after he got the better of the young South African at the Al Ghazal Sand Golf Course yesterday.

"I sure will be looking to come back and defend the title next year," he added.

"This year it has been much better than last year when I played on sand for the first time. Though I started with a bogey on the very first hole I did settle down.

"The front nine was a bit easier than the back nine," said the Thai, who now leaves for the Qatar Open.

"The 14th hole was the most difficult," said Jaidee referring to the longest par 4 measuring 455 yards.

"But on the whole the putting has been very good here and I am very happy with my seven birdies in the championship round and the final one to clinch the play-off," he added.

"This course is very good and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is very good and different and to win is indeed sweet," said Jaidee.

"Obviously the fact that I was playing here for the second time did help. I just tried to keep the ball on the fairways," the Thai champ said.

Yesterday's win was accompanied by another accolade when Jaidee was The European Tour Golfer of the Month for February following his impressive defence of the Malaysian Open at Saujana Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur.

Jaidee led from start to finish to successfully defend the title he won at the same venue in 2004.

"I am delighted with the start to the new year. Two wins and I hope I can extend my form to Doha," said the in-form Thai star.