American Johannes Veerman is ready for another shot at glory at when the Royal Cup gets underway at the Phoenix Golf and Country Club next week.
Having enjoyed three consecutive top-10s in his last three starts, Veerman is confident of mounting a strong challenge at the US $500,000 event.
The 26-year-old American will face stiff competition from a host of strong Asian Tour stars including defending champion Shiv Kapur of India and compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar who has been knocking on the door for his ninth Asian Tour victory, having finished second twice in his last six starts.
After getting off to a slow start in his 2018 season where he missed the cut in eight of his first 11 starts, things started to click for Veerman at the end of June where he enjoyed his first top-10 finish in Thailand.
With signs of a resurgent in form, the American has vowed to stay patient in his pursuit of a maiden Asian Tour victory.
“I am approaching this tournament with confidence but not arrogance. Golf is a very humbling game, I know I am playing well but a lot of players are in form too. Gaganjeet for example is playing well too so I know I will have my work cut out for me next week.
“But if I just stick to my game plan and take it one shot at a time, I don’t see why I can’t have another strong finish,” said Veerman who finished 24th on the Order of Merit in 2017 to keep his Tour card for 2018.
Veerman, who got married at the end of May this year, will enjoy the company of his wife Angela on his bag yet again as he returns to the land of smiles .
“I actually have fun playing golf when she is around and I can be relaxed but stay competitive. She has been awesome and I love having her around,” said Veerman.
Playing on the Lake course instead of the Ocean course, a total of 156 players consisting of 75 Asian Tour players, 40 Thai players, 10 PGA of Australasia players, 5 Japan Golf Tour players, 16 invite spots, and 10 players from the Monday Qualifier will gather for the prestigious event which will be held in conjunction with the 66th birthday celebration of King Rama X.
“I like that golf course and it is a good test of golf. I’ve played half the course already and it’s a little tight on some spots. There are a couple of holes where you don’t necessarily have to use your driver, cause if you do you bring danger into play. I’m playing well and I am excited for it,” said Veerman.