Thai golfer Prayad Marksaeng has hit back at Colin Montgomerie's criticism of invites for The Masters.
I'm in on merit, insists Thai star
Thai golfer Prayad Marksaeng has hit back at Colin Montgomerie's criticism of the system of invites for The Masters.
Montgomerie has missed out on a place in the Augusta field for only the second time in 17 years, with a number of lower-ranked Asian players selected ahead of him.
The veteran Scot suggested that the invites were based purely on selling television rights in emerging markets such as China and Thailand.
However, Prayad insists he is worthy of his place at the year's first major based on his recent performances.
"I believe they invite Asian players because golf and golfers in Asia are developing fast, and Asian golfers are playing better and better in big tournaments," said Prayad, the world number 93.
Monty silence
"I have no idea why he (Montgomerie) said that, but maybe he dislikes Asian players - he never talks to Asian players anyway.
"I really don't know what the main reason is that organisers decided to invite me, but I believe they were impressed with my recent good performance.
"I have done well in recent rankings, and was the champion in Thailand late last year. I believe those performances attracted the organiser."
