In 2020, Patty Tavatanakit made her debut on links at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon. After missing the weekend, the 2020/21 Tour rookie returned to her coach, PGA Tour winner Grant Waite, looking for guidance on bettering herself on one of the oldest styles of golf courses. “I developed a lot in terms of working my game to fit in the course conditions to play in the wind and to control my flight. You know, it's a little bit more wholesome,” said Tavatanakit. “I'm just looking forward to play this week. Had a really good practice in the wind last week, too. So coming into this week, I feel like I'm a little bit more prepared than last year.”
A year later, Tavatanakit prepares for the final major test of the season, but this time with the experience of a major champion. She’s among the select few in contention for the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award after her victory at the ANA Inspiration and is also in the lead for the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors with 852 points. Her initials thoughts of Carnoustie? “Pretty narrow.”
“You've got to hit it pretty solid. I feel like it's a ball-striking course. If you get your way around the green, just keep hitting fairways and greens, you're going to be in a good position,” said Tavatanakit, who got her second go at a links course last week at the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, finishing T27.
Tavatanakit also mentioned the lessons she’s learned after last year’s Scotland showing. “I feel like I was trying to be perfect too much, and you know, you can't really be like that on links course. You've just got to be yourself and just embrace all chances and play, play like you own the course,” said the 25-year-old.
“Be brave and just no fear, and just play, and you know, if you hit one bad shot, you've got to take your medicine and good hit the next one. Keep hitting shot after shot, just basically be present and hope for the best.”
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