Thai whiz kid ready for Singapore
THAILAND’S 14-YEAR-OLD GOLF phenomenon Ratchanon Chantananuwat will add another arrow to his quiver this month when he competes in both The Singapore International and the SMBC Singapore Open to mark the first time he has played in professional events outside of his country.
The amateur star made a huge impression on both the Asian Tour and All Thailand Golf Tour last year and has been invited to play in both tournaments.
The Singapore International at Tanah Merah Country Club started yesterday (Jan 13) and runs until Sunday, followed by Singapore’s national Open at Sentosa Golf Club from Jan 20-23.
“I’m very excited,” said Ratchanon. “I’m a bit pressured to be honest and definitely nervous as well. But I’m just going to enjoy myself as much as possible. It’s a new experience for me.”
There were few signs of nerves last year when the junior star was regularly in the headlines.
In the Asian Tour Phuket Series last November and December he upstaged the field in the Blue Canyon Championship by closing with a 65 to finish 12 under and tie 15th before finishing joint 30th at the Laguna Phuket Championship.
Ratchanon also came close to winning on the All Thailand Golf Tour; he was second in the Singha Laguna Phuket Open, equal third in the Singha Thailand Masters and joint fifth in the Singha All Thailand Championship.
“I’m really happy with how 2021 turned out. Overall, I’ve improved a bit in every component as a player so I’m happy,” he said.
The rising star is grateful for the support he has received from many of Thailand’s big-name players.
“I’m a really lucky kid that I’ve got the experience from playing with a lot of good players like Prom Meesawat and Thongchai Jaidee,” he added.
“The advice I’ve taken from most of them is to have fun out there. I’m still an amateur and it’s going to be first time playing outside of the country, so I won’t pressure myself too much.”