Something clicks for Gunn
Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul says he worked out something on the back nine on Sunday in the final round of the Olympic men’s golf competition that might translate to better results moving forward this year.
The rising star closed with a four-under-par 67 after three successive 71s to finish on four under in a tie for 45th place, at Kasumigaseki Country Club.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better round to finish off. I was very consistent again not seeing a red figure,” Gunn said.
“But I kind of figured out something towards the back nine, I know it’s a bit too late, but it was good to get something going for when Japan (Tour) starts again. “
He stormed through the back nine in three-under-par 32 with four birdies and one dropped shot.
Gunn plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Men’s golf event at Tokyo 2020 at Kasumigaseki Country Club on July 29, 2021 in Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
“I think I kind of bend my knee too much and I think that kind of shallows my swing too much,” he added.
“I have always been hitting down on the ball a lot steeper. But if I bend my knee too much I try and scoop everything and I miss everything right. It makes it really hard to trust yourself and it made the week a bit harder ‒ it is just some basic stuff that I forget over time.”
He was one of two Thais in the Olympic 60-man field along with countryman Jazz Janewattananond and one of seven Asian Tour players.
Gunn has been playing on the Asian and Japan Tours over the past few seasons and has been one of the most consistent performers with many expecting a first victory to come soon.
He has been plagued by a left thumb injury for most of this year ‒ the unfortunate consequence of trying to hit the ball like American Bryson DeChambeau last year ‒ and plans to spend this week at the Olympic village while getting treatment from the physio.
He said: “I am not quite sure what my plan is yet, will try and sort something out with my physio and see how it goes.”
Gunn watches his shot from the 14th tee in round two of the Men’s golf at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe on July 30, 2021. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)
The Japan Tour resumes later in August, and he is hoping to be ready for that, while if his thumb has not healed by then he might have the option of a medical exemption.
As for his Olympic experience, he is certainly ready for more.
“It was the first time playing something bigger than yourself. Hopefully I get to play again in Paris. Hopefully by then we will have crowds and everything will be back to normal.”
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