Ariya’s long road to golfing stardom and international acclaim

Born in a golfing family, she has been playing and learning the sport since the age of five.

Her career started at an early age because her father wanted Ariya and her sister Moriya to get involved in something that would keep them away from disturbing customers at his pro shop in Bangkok. So he gave them golf clubs to practice on the course.

However, as their careers developed, the expenses grew. The girls’ father Somboon had to sell their house and cars to fund their way to tournaments. He took a big risk and invested more than Bt400,000 in developing their game to a professional level.

“People said I was mad. Even pro golfers thought it was ridiculous what I did. But I always believed that they could do it,” Somboon said in an interview with Forbes Thailand.

“There were days we had to avoid restaurants at the golf course since it’s too expensive. We ended up at caddy canteens. The dishes give you the same energy to practice.”

 Looking back on her journey to the top level, Ariya, 20, said, “I am not embarrassed of being poor. Being rich doesn't guarantee success, it’s the hard work that matters most.”

Ariya is the first Thai golfer of either gender to win a major title following her victory in the British Women’s Open on Sunday.

Her success has brought her fame on and off the course. When asked if she is noticed when she goes out to eat, she said, “Right now it’s a little bit better, people started to recognise me, but not everybody.” She agreed that a year ago not many Thai people outside of the golfing industry knew of her, but today she’s a Thai hero.

 

Single-minded dedication

Some fans have wondered why she sits on the ground between strokes, assuming it’s a technique to relieve stress. “I only do that because I get tired, so I sit,” she explained simply at a press conference in the UK after her win.

Both Jutanugarn sisters have had to arrange their education to accommodate their pursuit of golfing. They finished classes by noon and practice for five to six hours every day, with no time for shopping or hanging out. “I don’t have many friends,” she said.

Following her success, the UK press seems to welcome the young Thai. Andy Farrell, a golf journalist who followed the event, said Ariya is a wonderful golfer with a powerful swing. 

She played brilliantly to win her first major at Woburn and the feeling is that she may go on to win more big titles. Endearing herself to fans and the media, she has a lovely personality for the game as she smiles her way around the course.

After her sensational win, Ariya still remains humble. As she climbs to the number two spot in the Rolex world rankings, she still sets her sights |on winning a medal at the Rio Olympics. 

She has experienced a remarkable turnaround. She has won three tournaments this year after missing 10 consecutive cuts a year ago. She earned about US$412,000 (Bt14.42 million) from RICOH Women’s British Open on Sunday, almost as much as her father paid 10 years ago, an investment which many thought ridiculous.