Kiradech Aphibarnrat, often dubbed “Asia’s John Daly” for his powerful swing and charismatic presence, has carved a unique path in professional golf. As Thailand’s first PGA Tour member, his journey from Bangkok’s local courses to global tournaments is a story of perseverance and flair.
In 2025, he remains a celebrated figure in Asian sports, blending unorthodox style with remarkable achievements. Let’s explore his life, career, and financial success.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kiradech Aphibarnrat (born Anujit Hirunratanakorn) |
| Nickname | Asia’s John Daly |
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1989 |
| Age | 35 |
| Nationality | Thai |
| Height | 5’8” |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $4 million |
| Spouse | Tunyatorn Chaiyarat |
| Residence | Bangkok, Thailand; Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
Kiradech changed his name from Anujit Hirunratanakorn early in his career, following a Thai tradition believed to bring good luck. Married since 2016, he and Tunyatorn tied the knot in a memorable hot-air-balloon ceremony over Thailand’s Singha Park. Despite his globe-trotting schedule, family remains central to his life.
Early Career
Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s early career was marked by impressive junior achievements and a smooth transition to professional golf. As a junior player, he dominated his age group at the Junior World Golf Championships in 2003 and 2004. His amateur success continued with a gold medal at the 2007 Summer Universiade and a silver at the Southeast Asian Games the same year.
Aphibarnrat turned professional in 2008 at the age of 18, quickly making his mark with his first professional win at the 2009 Singha Pattaya Open on the Asian Development Tour, where he won by an astounding 11 strokes. This early success set the stage for his rapid rise through the Asian Tour ranks, culminating in his first Asian Tour victory at the 2011 SAIL Open.
These early accomplishments laid the foundation for Aphibarnrat’s future success on the European and PGA Tours.
Professional Career
Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s professional breakthrough came in 2013 when he claimed victory at the rain-shortened Maybank Malaysian Open, his first European Tour win. This triumph catapulted him into the spotlight and earned him the Asian Tour Order of Merit for that year.
Building on this success, Aphibarnrat secured two more European Tour titles, including a playoff victory at the 2015 Shenzhen International. His consistent performances and growing reputation led to a historic moment in 2018 when he became the first Thai golfer to earn full membership on the PGA Tour.
Although he faced challenges maintaining his PGA Tour card, Aphibarnrat’s career highlights include a T15 finish at the 2016 Masters and reaching a career-high world ranking of 29th in 2018. In recent years, he has primarily competed on the European and Asian Tours, with notable performances such as a T2 finish at the 2021 BMW PGA Championship, demonstrating his continued competitiveness at the highest levels of professional golf.
Wife
Kiradech Aphibarnrat is married to Tunyatorn Chaiyarat, whom he wed on Valentine’s Day in 2016. Their unique wedding ceremony featured a romantic hot-air-balloon ride over Singha Park in Thailand, marking a memorable start to their life together. Tunyatorn, a teacher by profession, has been a constant source of support for Aphibarnrat throughout his career.
Despite the demands of his golfing schedule, the couple maintains a strong bond, often sharing glimpses of their personal life on social media. Aphibarnrat’s dedication to his family is evident in his decision to delay their honeymoon to participate in the Maybank Championship Malaysia, highlighting the balance he strives to maintain between his professional ambitions and personal life.
The couple does not have any children yet, but their relationship remains a central part of Aphibarnrat’s life, providing stability and motivation as he navigates the challenges of professional golf.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s Net Worth Details
Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings | Tournaments Played | Cuts Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | $130,019 | 14 | 7 |
| 2020-21 | $166,496 | 17 | 5 |
| 2019-20 | $293,119 | 7 | 2 |
| 2018-19 | $1,630,073 | 20 | 13 |
| 2017-18 | $484,734 | 14 | 11 |
| 2015-16 | $404,550 | 11 | 7 |
| 2014-15 | $229,250 | 4 | 2 |
| 2013-14 | $445,178 | 9 | 7 |
| 2012-13 | $58,750 | 3 | 2 |
| Total | $3,842,169 | 99 | 56 |
Endorsements
Kiradech Aphibarnrat has secured several notable endorsements throughout his career, reflecting his appeal as a charismatic and talented golfer. One of his most significant partnerships is with Callaway Golf, which provides him with clubs and apparel. This long-standing relationship highlights Aphibarnrat’s preference for high-quality equipment that matches his powerful swing style.
Additionally, in 2017, he partnered with Fenix XCell, a premium golf apparel brand, where he co-designed a clothing line featuring his “mini-Kiradech” cartoon character. This collaboration not only showcases his fashion sense but also adds a playful touch to his brand. Furthermore, Aphibarnrat has a sponsorship deal with Singha, the national beer of Thailand, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Asian sports.
Career Stats
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Professional Wins | 12 |
| European Tour Wins | 4 |
| Asian Tour Wins | 3 |
| PGA Tour of Australasia Wins | 1 |
| Other Wins | 7 |
| Highest World Ranking | 29th |
| Current World Ranking | 317th |
| Best Major Result | T15 |
| PGA Championship Best | T25 |
| U.S. Open Best | 15th |
| The Open Championship Best | T32 |
| Major Championship Cuts Made | 10 out of 18 |
| PGA Tour Debut | 2018-19 season |
| First Thai PGA Tour Member | Yes |
FAQs
1. What is Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s background and early career?
Kiradech Aphibarnrat was born on July 23, 1989, in Bangkok, Thailand. He showed early promise in golf, winning his age group at the Junior World Golf Championships in 2003 and 2004. Aphibarnrat turned professional in 2008 at the age of 18. His first professional victory came in 2009 at the Mercedes-Benz Tour’s Singha Pattaya Open, which he won by an impressive 11 strokes.
2. What are Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s major achievements in professional golf?
Aphibarnrat has achieved several notable milestones in his career. He became the first player from Thailand to earn a PGA Tour card in 2018. He has won multiple times on the Asian and European Tours, including the 2013 Maybank Malaysian Open. Aphibarnrat also won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2013. His best performance in a major championship was a T15 finish at the 2016 Masters Tournament.
3. Why is Kiradech Aphibarnrat nicknamed “Asia’s John Daly”?
Kiradech Aphibarnrat is often referred to as “Asia’s John Daly” due to similarities in their physical appearance and playing style. Like John Daly, Aphibarnrat has an unathletic physique that contrasts with many professional golfers. Despite this, he possesses a powerful swing and a go-for-broke style of play that resonates with fans. The nickname also reflects his charismatic presence on the course and his ability to excite crowds.
4. What is Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s current world ranking and career earnings?
As of March 2025, Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s world ranking is 317th. His career earnings total $4,011,324, with his most lucrative season being 2018-19 when he earned $1,630,073 on the PGA Tour. Aphibarnrat’s highest world ranking was 29th, achieved in March 2018. His earnings reflect his success across multiple tours, including the PGA Tour, European Tour, and Asian Tour.
5. Who is Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s wife, and when did they get married?
Kiradech Aphibarnrat is married to Tunyatorn Chaiyarat. The couple tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in 2016. Their wedding ceremony was unique and memorable, featuring a hot air balloon ride over Singha Park in Thailand. Interestingly, Aphibarnrat delayed their honeymoon to compete in the Maybank Championship Malaysia, demonstrating his dedication to his golf career.
6. What is the story behind Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s name change?
Kiradech Aphibarnrat was originally known as Anujit Hirunratanakorn. He changed his name following a Thai tradition believed to bring good luck. This name change occurred during a challenging period in his career when he spent a week at a Buddhist temple, shaving his head and eyebrows, fasting, and engaging in daily prayer and meditation under the guidance of monks. Both his original and new names translate to “bright” in English.
7. What are some of Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s notable endorsements and sponsorships?
Kiradech Aphibarnrat has secured several notable endorsements throughout his career. He has a long-standing partnership with Callaway Golf, which provides him with clubs and apparel. In 2017, he signed an agreement with Fenix XCell, a premium golf apparel company. As part of this deal, Aphibarnrat assisted in designing his own exclusive collection featuring his “mini-Kiradech” cartoon character. He also has a sponsorship deal with Singha, the national beer of Thailand.
8. What is unique about Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s lifestyle off the golf course?
Kiradech Aphibarnrat is known for his flashy lifestyle off the course, which has added to his widespread appeal. He owns a collection of luxury sports cars, including models from manufacturers like Ferrari. Aphibarnrat is also fond of designer clothing and accessories. Despite his lavish tastes, his enjoyment of these material possessions is seen as genuine and childlike, rather than ego-driven, which endears him to fans and fellow players alike.
9. How has Kiradech Aphibarnrat contributed to golf in Thailand?
Aphibarnrat has made significant contributions to golf in Thailand. As the first Thai golfer to earn a PGA Tour card, he has paved the way for future generations of Thai golfers. He purchased the driving range where he learned to play as a child, preserving it as a tribute to his late instructor, Chokthanasart. Aphibarnrat has maintained the range’s decor exactly as his mentor left it, ensuring that the legacy of Thai golf instruction continues.
10. What are Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s goals for the future of his golf career?
While Kiradech Aphibarnrat has achieved success on the European and Asian Tours, his main goal is to regain his PGA Tour card and compete against the world’s best golfers. He aims to improve his performance in major championships, building on his previous best finish of T15 at the 2016 Masters. Aphibarnrat continues to work on his game, striving to climb back up the world rankings and establish himself as a consistent force in international golf.
