FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Record-breaking Atthaya lifts first pro title at 17

Record-breaking Atthaya lifts first pro title at 17

Teen prodigy Atthaya Thitikul lifted her first title as a professional after beating Dolnapa Phudthipinij by two strokes to win the 3rd Singha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship today (July 24).

Record-breaking Atthaya lifts first pro title at 17 Atthaya Thitikul (credit to sportsaperture)

After making headlines in 2017 by becoming the youngest Ladies European Tour champion at the age of 14, Atthaya fired an unblemished final round of 67 for a 17-under-par 199 at the par-72 layout over 6,439 yards at Kabin Buri Sport Club in Prachin Buri.

The 17-year-old finally lived up to her early promise, after mediocre results – including a joint 40th in the second leg at this course earlier this month – in her three previous tournaments. However, the teen golfer was quick to dismiss suggestions she was suffering the pressure of expectations since turning pro in January.

“I wasn’t so concerned about others’ expectations or putting myself under pressure,” said Atthaya, who took home the winner’s cheque of Bt100,000.

“After the last three tournaments, I just concentrated on what was missing in my game, what went wrong and what I needed to improve,” said the youngest player to win two Ladies European Tour events after her victories in 2017 and last year at the Thailand Championship.

After clinching her first title as a pro, the young star has her eyes set on more success in the years to come.

“This win proves that I am going in the right direction. I’ve been working pretty hard coming to this week and it paid off,” she added.

Overnight leader Donlapa, 29, from Nonthaburi, had to be content with second after an uneven round of 70 landed her at 15-under-par 201. Former LPGA players Pavarisa Yoktuan and Budsabakorn Sukapan shared third spot on 202.

The fourth leg of the Thai LPGA Tour will take place at the Water Mill Golf and Country Club in Nakhon Nayok from August 6-8.

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