Best amateur Atthaya lifts Smyth Salver
LYTHAM ST ANNES: Atthaya Thitikul picked up the leading amateur honours at the Women’s British Open on Sunday.
The 15-year-old Thai, who booked her spot at Royal Lytham and St Annes following her victory in the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship in Singapore in February, was awarded the Smyth Salver.
As the only amateur to make the cut with a score of even-par (73, 71), Atthaya knew on Friday that if she completed all four rounds of the Open she would claim the title.
However, the Thai teenager struggled on the weekend posting rounds of 79 and 77 for a 12-over-par finish.
The Ratchaburi native now holds leading amateur titles from both major championships she gained exemptions for as part of her Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific win — she recorded a joint 30th finish at the ANA Inspiration in April.
She was also invited to compete in the 2018 HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore in March following the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific success and recorded an impressive top-10 finish (eighth).
Last year, she won the Ladies European Thailand Championship to become the youngest golfer ever to win a professional golf tournament at 14 years, four months and 19 days old.
“I feel really proud of myself and very happy,” said Atthaya after Sunday’s round.
“I have really enjoyed this week and knowing I can make the cut. Last year I didn’t make the cut but this year I could!
“I have learned a lot through the experience and I take it all in to improve myself in the future.”
Looking at the names that adorn the Smyth Salver, including this year’s champion Georgia Hall, Atthaya said: “There are a lot of professionals whose names are here and that’s where I want to be in the future.”
Dominic Wall, director for Asia-Pacific at the R&A, said: “We knew she was a special golfer when she came through the four-way play-off to clinch the trophy at Sentosa in February. She played every round in high spirits and her energetic personality and love for the game shone through for all to see.
“I have no doubt of her bright future in golf.”