Pornanong leads local challenge at LPGA Thailand
Six Thai players spearheaded by national No 1 Pornanong Phatlum and the returning Ariya Jutanugarn will lead the local challenge into the US$1.5-million Honda LPGA Thailand starting tomorrow at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.
Ranked 30th in the world, the 24-year-old from Chaiyaphum is aiming to break into the top 10 and better her best effort in her home tournament – a tied 13th in 2011.
Armed with a strong short game, Pornanong teed off her season in style, winning the Hirachi Ladies Classic for second straight year following an eight-under-par 208, five shots ahead Taiwanese Peiyun Chien. She stamped her authority as the country’s best in the following event, the LPGA season-opening Pure Silk Bahamas, by finishing third along with Lizette Salas, Paula Creamer and Choi Na Yoen after hitting 16-under-par 276, three behind winner Jessica Korda.
As usual, Pornanong will be powered by Isaan delights specially prepared by her 84-year-old grandmother, who will be among relatives supporting her at the course.
Pornanong, who finished 57th last week in Australia, will be joined by five countrywomen including Ariya, who had a memorable but painful experience at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course last year.
Enjoying a two-shot lead over Park In-bee going to the 18th hole, young Ariya let nerves get the better of her and missed two easy putts before ending with a triple bogey. Instead of making history as the first Thai to win an LPGA, the teenager was in tears as she watched the South Korean receive the trophy, a moment that will linger in her mind for a long time.
The tide began to turn in her favour with her first Ladies European win in Morocco a few weeks later plus several top 10 finishes on the LPGA. But then destiny again played a trick on the talented Thai when she hurt her shoulder during a practice round at the US Open. She underwent surgery and only started playing again last week in Victoria, where she failed to make the cut.
Apart from the 34th ranked Ariya, other Thais in the 70-player field are Ariya’s elder sister Moriya, No 81, Thidapa Suwannapura, Patcharajutar Kongkraphan, who earned a card only late last year, and top local amateur Supamas Sangchan. Thidapa, Patcharajutar, Ariya and Supamas received invitations into the event, joining Carly Booth, Mamiko Higam, Dani Homqvist, Natsuka Hori, Shinobu Moromizato and Lydia Ko.
