Thai professional golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat has withdrawn from the Genesis Championship in South Korea, marking a premature end to his season. The veteran player was forced to retire during the second round on Friday due to a persistent back injury.
Entering the tournament, Aphibarnrat faced a critical situation in the Race to Dubai standings. Ranked 108th, the 37-year-old needed a finish of 26th or better at the final regular-season event to break into the top 100 and secure his playing status for 2027.
The withdrawal follows a grueling schedule for the Thai golfer, who had competed in 11 consecutive tournaments leading up to the Genesis Championship. The physical toll of this run ultimately proved too much for his back to withstand during the competition at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
Following his departure from the event, an emotional Aphibarnrat expressed deep regret over his inability to complete the tournament. He offered an apology to his supporters and family, acknowledging the weight of the disappointment caused by his early exit.
"I just have to apologize," Aphibarnrat stated in an interview with the DP World Tour. "I really let them down. There's not many times in my life that I have disappointed people."
Reflecting on his recent form, the golfer noted the intense mental pressure he had been under during the final weeks of the season. He explained that he had frequently scraped through to make the cut, requiring significant effort to maintain his position.
"In the last 15 years I've had a really good career but just the last three or four years haven't been easy," he added. "I made the cut on the number many times so I feel like on the mental part I'm working twice as hard as everybody else."
Aphibarnrat, often referred to as the "John Daly of Asia" for his unique style and personality, has enjoyed a distinguished career. He has secured four DP World Tour victories, with his first win arriving at the 2013 Maybank Malaysian Open.
At his peak in April 2018, Aphibarnrat climbed to 29th in the Official World Golf Ranking. That same year, he demonstrated his capability on the biggest stages, including a notable 15th-place finish at the U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills.
However, his career trajectory was interrupted in 2020 and 2021 by the global pandemic and recurring knee issues. These setbacks led to a decline in his world ranking and forced him to navigate the challenging Qualifying School process in both 2022 and 2024.
Despite the current setback, Aphibarnrat remains determined to regain his form. Having successfully navigated the Q School gauntlet on two previous occasions, he expressed confidence in his ability to return to the tour following this latest disappointment.
"I'm a fighter," he said. "I believe I'm going to get past all of this and we'll come back strong." The golfer now faces the prospect of returning to the qualifying circuit to earn his place back on the main tour.
The Genesis Championship continues in South Korea, with other competitors battling for position at the top of the leaderboard. The event remains the final opportunity for players to solidify their standings in the Race to Dubai before the season concludes.
The tournament has seen high-quality play, with Japanese golfer Yuto Katsuragawa recently matching the course record at Woo Jeong Hills. Such performances underscore the high stakes for all participants currently competing in the field.
Aphibarnrat's coach, Kwanchai Tannin, had attempted to motivate the player earlier in the week by sharing images of his past victories. The intention was to remind the veteran of his proven ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite the encouragement, the physical reality of his injury proved insurmountable. The golfer's focus now shifts to recovery and preparing for the upcoming challenges required to secure his professional future.
The DP World Tour season is now in its final stages, with the focus shifting toward the end-of-season rankings. Players outside the top 100 are now looking toward the Q School as their primary route to maintaining their professional status.
Aphibarnrat's career has been marked by both high-level skill and a distinct, charismatic personality that has earned him a loyal following. His ability to overcome past injuries and career dips remains a defining trait of his professional journey.
As the season concludes, the golf community will be watching to see how the veteran manages his return to the competitive circuit. His resilience has been tested repeatedly, yet he continues to maintain a positive outlook on his future prospects.
With the Genesis Championship nearing its conclusion, the focus remains on those still in contention for the final spots in the rankings. For Aphibarnrat, the immediate future involves rest and rehabilitation before he begins his next attempt to reclaim his tour card.
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