Historic victory for talented Thai teen
PATTAYA, Thailand — Thai amateur Atthaya Thitikul on Sunday became the youngest winner in Ladies European Tour history at 14 years, four months and 19 days, breaking Lydia Ko’s record with a twostroke victory at the Thailand Championship.
Ko was 15 years, nine months and 17 days when she set the previous LET mark at the 2013 New Zealand Open.
“I’m so happy for my win this week and feel so proud of myself. I give this win to all Thais,” said Atthaya, who said she was inspired by compatriot Ariya Jutanugarn.
“My family does not play golf. When I was younger, my father told me to play sport and he offered tennis or golf and I watched golf on TV and I liked it.”
Atthaya closed with an even-par 72 to finish at 5-under 283 at Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Chinburi. Mexico’s Ana Menendez was second after a 75.
Due to her amateur status, Thitikul was not eligible for the $51,000 prize money, which went to Menendez.
“I was nervous at the first tee,” Atthaya said. “But I didn’t think about the scores. I just focused on my shots and on my caddie.
“I didn’t expect to win this tournament as I just came here to learn techniques from the pro players on the Ladies European.”
Atthaya said she wouldn’t turn professional for a few years because she needs more experience.
She began the fourth round a shot behind Menendez after rounds of 70, 71 and 70. But the Mexican dropped four shots on the front nine, handing Atthaya a two-shot lead at the turn after one birdie and two bogeys on her first nine holes.
Ko also won the Australian tour’s 2012 New South Wales Open at 14 years, nine months and three days, and set the LPGA Tour record of 15 years, four months and two days at the 2012 Canadian Women’s Open.