2017 my favourite year, says Ariya
DESPITE THE LOWS, Ariya Jutanugarn says 2017 has been her most enjoyable year so far after she overcame dismal form to finish the season by winning the CME Group Tour Championship two weeks ago.
The current world No 5 had earlier climbed to No 1 following her sixth career win in the Manulife LPGA Classic in June, but missed the cut in six out of her next eight events, which saw her drop to ninth in the world.
Bothered by a shoulder injury and unimpressive form, she did not break into the top 10 until the season-ending event in Naples where she was back in form to claim her seventh LPGA crown.
“It’s my most favourite year by far, not because I became world No 1, but because I managed to bounce back after enduring perhaps the poorest results in my career,” said Ariya, who is taking a six-week off-season break.
Ariya reckons the reason she regained her form and rediscovered true happiness playing golf is because she stopped setting targets. Instead she is focusing on what she must do day by day.
“I go out there every morning and tell myself what I have to do. And before I go to bed, I evaluate if I did that or not,” Ariya said.
Being injury-free and using her driver more often are two things she plans to focus on in 2018. She begins her campaign in Bahamas. But it is the home tournament – Honda LPGA Thailand – which is she looking forward to the most.
“I’m emotionally attached to the event as I grew up with it. I always feel excited about playing at home as there are a lot of people rooting for me. I hope I can keep delivering good results there.”
The Honda LPGA Thailand is due in February next year at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.
