Ariya Overcomes Mental Demons
Newly crowned Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic champion Ariya Jutanugarn said focusing on psychological aspects of her game for two months helped her to first ever LPGA title in Alabama last week.
After coming close to winning at the 2013 LPGA Thailand, the 2015 Pure Silk Bahamas and the recent ANA Inspiration, Ariya took extra steps in a bid to claim her maiden victory. She sought help from Lin Marriott of Norway and Pia Nilsson of the US to gain control over her mind.
“I knew that I had the game and the technique but I was wondering why I hadn’t won a tournament. So I talked to the two mental coaches to work on how to get me past this obstacle, and make me win,” said Ariya, the first Thai to win an LPGA event.
The 20yearold, who jumped to No 21 in the world this week and became the new Thai No 1, replacing Pornanong Phatlum for the first time, said she completely changed her routine from then on and started having positive thoughts.
“In the past when I was leading on the final day, I was in constant fear of not being able to control my shots,” said Ariya. “Also, I was getting overexฌcited. But on Sunday last week, before I made my putts I took my time, takฌing a deep breath and telling myself that ‘I love this shot.’ And I sank that winning par putt, which I would never have made in the past.”
Someone else who encouraged the Thai to fight on was her caddie Les Luark. The American never lost faith and stayed with her through thick and thin. In Yokohama, she made a bogey after 12 holes and lost the lead in the final round before Luark gave her a wakeup call.
“I started the day hoping to play safe. But my caddie told me to play my normal aggressive game. So I went for my shots, not thinking of the results and started making birdies again – and went on to win.”
Ariya, who was awarded a solidgold golf ball by Rungroj Rungsiyopas, CEO of SCG, her main sponsor, met Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha yesterday at Government House. Earlier, she donned traditional Thai dress to sign a message of wellwishes for His Majesty the King at the Salasahathai Samakom just a few hours after arriving home from the US.
Ariya has set her sights on winning more titles this year and winning a medal at this summer’s Olympic Games. She said she was overwhelmed by the fans’ support and wants to make her compatriots happy by making more history.
“I know a lot of people expect a lot from me and have for a long timebeen wishing for me to win. Now that I have finally made it, I am grateful for their support. I promise I will try to win more and bring happiness to the Thai people,” said Ariya, who will leave on Sunday for an event in Virginia.
