Kiradech Aphibarnrat has sealed a berth at the 2018 Masters after ending the year at No.49 in the world rankings.
The 28-year-old Thai moved up two spots from No.51 in the final world rankings for 2017 issued yesterday.
The top-50 players in the world at the end of the year earn spots at the major tournament at Augusta National.
Joining him at the year's first major in April is No.50 Yusaku Miyazato of Japan.
Kiradech was projected to end the year at No.49 after a joint-fifth finish at the Indonesian Masters two weeks ago.
He did not play at last week's Boonchu Ruangkit Championship as a poor result could have affected his world ranking.
Kiradech hopes to be at Augusta as a contender and not just a participant.
"The Masters is one of the best events in the world and my aim is to be part of the field at the Masters and finish inside the top five at Augusta," he said recently.
"I played in the Masters in 2016 and finished tied 15th. It'll be my second time in Augusta if I get in again and I'm going to try to do better. I want to show the world an Asian player can surprise and contend for a major."
He added: "I've been playing fantastic golf throughout the year. I worked hard all year and I'm pleased with how it has turned out."
Meanwhile, veteran stars Boonchu Ruangkit, Thaworn Wiratchant and Prayad Marksaeng will take part in this week's Royal Cup at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, organisers said yesterday.
Headlined by the top players from the Asian Tour and Thailand, the US$500,000 event will be played from Thursday until Sunday.
The Royal Cup is being organised in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.
"We believe the tournament will boost the popularity of golf in Thailand and draw more public interest, both in Thailand and all over the region, promoting tourism in the country," said Sakol Wannapong, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
