(Reuters) - Emerging Thai player Thitiphun Chuayprakong is determined to make the most of his last minute call-up for next week's U.S. Open at Oakmont after former world number one Tiger Woods withdrew from the tournament.
The 23-year-old was the first alternate from Japan sectional qualifying and will make his major tournament debut after Woods, who has not played since undergoing back surgery last September, confirmed he was not ready to return to action.
"I am feeling very happy," Thitiphun, who claimed his breakthrough title in Bangladesh earlier this year, said in an Asian Tour statement.