Melbourne: Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat has picked his best friend and two-time Asian Tour winner Prom Meesawat as his partner for the World Cup of Golf at the Metropolitan Golf Club in November.
Kiradech, the first Thai to earn a PGA Tour card for next season, said: "We grew up together, went to the same school, had the same coach, we're very close and he's my best friend on tour.
"Twenty years ago, we talked about maybe one day we can play together in a team event. With the World Cup of Golf's regulation now allowing the top player to choose any partner from the world's top-500, it gave me the chance to pick the guy with whom I made a promise. When I called him up, I think he was stunned for a few seconds. If he was in the position to pick his partner, I'm sure he would have chosen me."
World No. 38 Kiradech believes he and Prom can strike up a formidable partnership and contend at the Metropolitan from Nov 22-25 where Australia's Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith start as favourites.
"As long as we can play as a team, I believe we can do well. Our games suit each other. I'm very aggressive and Prom is conservative and plays shot by shot. He's got the best game plan on Tour. We believe in each other. In alternate shot, we have to know and trust each other," said the 29-year-old Kiradech.
Prom, who spent several seasons competing in Japan and Europe, will be making his debut in the World Cup of Golf.
"When we were young -- he's five years younger than I am -- we played a lot of golf together, we've always said 'one day we must partner in a team event.' When he asked me for the World Cup, I was so happy," said Prom, 34.
"It's a nice feeling and I'm very honoured to represent Thailand. It's very special to partner with Kiradech. A few weeks ago, we played four or five rounds together and he said "show me how good you are' and I'm actually playing good golf now, and he quickly said I was the right partner.
"I think we have a chance in Melbourne. Kiradech has played very well this year. He's stepped onto the highest level, we're really proud that he's taking the Thai flag to the PGA Tour," added Prom, who is ranked 460th in the world and has eight top-25s on the Asian Tour this season.
Australian duo Leishman and Smith will face a field that includes the defending champions, major championship winners and leading players from previous Presidents and Ryder Cups after all 28 teams were finalised.
England's Ian Poulter is among the notables selected and will make his sixth appearance in the World Cup of Golf competition after being tabbed by fellow countryman Tyrrell Hatton.