Teenager clinches amateur prize to complete perfect week for Thailand

The 18-year-old clinched the Best Low Amateur trophy with a closing two under-par-286 to tie for fifth, the best among the seven amateurs to make the cut at Shoal Creek.
“It’s a like a dream come true finishing top 5 and getting the Low Amateur this week,” said the UCLA student, who shared fifth spot with several star players, including nine-time LPGA winner Lexi Thompson of the US.
“I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to be competing alongside the world’s great female golfers. I’m also proud of how I handled myself this week.”
 Touted as one of Thailand’s future sporting stars, Paphangkorn surprised everyone by deciding to take a college scholarship instead of immediately pursuing a career in professional golf. 

Successful Thai players, including Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn – the only two Thai winners on the LPGA Tour – have generally opted to focus on a pro career as soon as they have finished high school. 
The 2016 Junior Player of the Year thinks otherwise.
 “I chose education mainly because I wanted to play college golf in the US,” said Paphangkorn, who already had four titles at the collegiate level this year before winning the US Open qualifying tournament.
 “Collegiate tournaments have sharpened my game –they have obviously had the biggest impact on how much I have improved over the past season.
“I see it [playing at collegiate level] as another undeniable opportunity for me to get the best athletic support from UCLA and the right preparation to be on tour.
“So it isn’t really a waste of time.” 
The gifted teenager says she has been inspired by Ariya’s achievement and overwhelmed to have been part of the huge success of the Thai players in women’s golf’s biggest tournament of all this week.
 “Ariya’s win definitely inspires me a lot. Just to see a Thai player do it, it proves that we are all capable of winning out here on tour too. I’m super happy that both Thais got the dub [double] this week,” said Paphangkorn.