Thailand Women's Golf 'Hwasubun'... This Time Wongtawirapwa and Bunchant

Promising 20s Long Hitters Share Korean Corporate Sponsorship
Golf Infrastructure and Education, Singha Group Sponsorship as 'Driving Force'

It is a "Hwaseubun." This term refers to Thai female golfers. This time, Nattakrit Wongtawirapong and Jaravee Boonchant have emerged. The LPGA Tour is paying attention to the birth of new stars.

Thai players Natthakritta Wongtavihok, Jaravee Bunchan, Chanet Wannasaen, Pavarisa Yoktuan, and Arpichaya Yubol (from left) are taking a commemorative photo after securing their cards by passing the LPGA Q-Series last December.

Wongtawirapong attracted all the spotlight at the Honda LPGA Thailand, which ended on the 26th of last month at Siam Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand. As an invited player, she showcased incredible power by leading by 4 strokes through the first 3 rounds. Her final score was 2nd place, just one stroke behind Lilia Vu (USA). Boonchant shared the lead after the 1st round and finished the tournament tied for 17th place. Wongtawirapong is sponsored by KB Financial Group, and Boonchant by Hana Financial Group. Both players, who were members of the Thai national team last year, were recommended by the Korea Golf Association to participate in the DB Group Korea Women's Open, a national title tournament in Korea, where they made a strong impression.

Wongtawirapong is 20 years old. She has been receiving lessons from Korean swing coach Kim Jin-seop since she was 12. She has been outstanding since her amateur days. She is a promising player who has won over 200 times in various tournaments, including the Singha Thailand Amateur Open and the Singha Thailand Amateur Match Play. She was runner-up at the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in 2021 and 2022. In May 2022, she represented Thailand at the Southeast Asian Games and won a gold medal.

Wongtawirapong turned professional last year. She finished tied for 28th at the LPGA Qualifying (Q) Series and earned her full tour card for this year. Her main weapon is her powerful long drives, reaching up to 300 yards. At the 3rd round of the Honda LPGA Thailand, on the 18th hole (par 5), she hit a 300-yard tee shot to create an eagle opportunity. On the final day, she also reached the green with her second shot on this hole. Her average driving distance in the tournament was 280 yards. She had a green hit rate of 75% and averaged 27 putts per round.

Boonchant is 23 years old. She balanced academics and golf while receiving a four-year scholarship at Duke University in the United States. She was selected as Duke's Most Valuable Player (MVP) four times. Last year, she won the LPGA Epson (second-tier) Tour Championship, the final event of the season. In October last year, she gained attention by finishing tied for 6th at the sponsor event, the KLPGA Hana Financial Group Championship. Her specialty is her "needle-like iron shots."

Thai golf is extremely strong. The sisters Ariya (12 wins) and Moriya Jutanugarn (2 wins) lead the way, guiding the younger players. Additionally, Patty Tavatanakit, the 2021 major ANA Inspiration winner, and Atthaya Thitikul, who won two tournaments last year and was named LPGA Rookie of the Year, are holding their ground. Players like Pajaree Anannarukarn, winner of the 2021 ISPS Handa World Invitational, and Pornanong Phatlum are also active on the regular tour.

Thailand is the best place to play golf. It offers a natural environment where golf can be enjoyed all year round. The "Manmandi" national character of Thailand perfectly matches golf. Parents are fully committed to early education for their children. The government and corporations are supportive of golf. Santi Viriyaprapa, chairman of Singha Group, famous for Singha beer, is a hidden contributor. Not only does he sponsor players, but he also established Singha Tour, leading the globalization of Thai golf.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.