Heading into the final round of the Evian Championship, three Thai players sit in the top 20. The first two are the stars of Thailand, but the third reflects the future of the country’s game.
Pajaree Anannarukarn sits at (-5) in the second major of her LPGA Career.
Anannarukarn started the season 170th on the LPGA’s priority list and 382nd in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings. She earned her membership by two strokes in the LPGA Q-Series.
“Since my status wasn’t that good at the beginning of the year, just trying to get into the event and play well.
“I’m just really happy with how I’ve played,” Anannarukarn told LPGA.com.
She received a sponsor invite to the 2019 Honda LPGA Thailand, and got in off the alternate list at the LOTTE Championship when Brooke Pancake withdrew a week before the tournament began.
Anannarukarn took advantage of the opportunity, finishing T12 and following up with a T30 at the HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open. She got reshuffled to 136th on the LPGA’s Priority List, playing well enough after to get into the field at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Anannarukarn finished T14 in her first major appearance, learning a valuable lesson for her strong performance in France.
“Since it’s a major course, it isn’t going to be that easy. You make mistake out there, you try to stay patient. One shot at a time.”
That approach has been key to Anannarukarn’s growth navigating her maiden season on the LPGA Tour.
“I learn every week. I’m just trying to play every shot one at a time, trying to stay consistent, have a good game plan, stick to the game plan.”
She’s also learned from idols, talking with Moriya and Ariya about the intricacies of the LPGA Tour over the course of the season.
“All the travels, and a little bit of mental game. How you handle pressure. It’s a lot of things, not just on the golf course but outside.”
Anannarukarn has handled the pressure of her rookie season well, moving up to 135th in the world heading into this week. She has an opportunity to join her idols not just on the golf course but on the outside as well, as Anannarukarn is currently 30 spots away from joining the Jutanugarns on the 2020 Thailand UL International Crown team.
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