KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand’s Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul is making great strides towards achieving her dream of becoming a golf star.
On Wednesday, the 15-year-old from Khon Kaen emerged triumphant in the 12-player regional qualifying tournament of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Open at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).
The win sees her booking her spot in the prestigious US$2mil (RM6.44 mil) event, to be held at the same venue from Oct 9-12.
Kanphanitnan posted a two-over 73 for a two-day total of 149 to deny Malaysia’s Asian Games-bound Dianne Luke, who carded a 75 for a 150 total.
Halfway leader V. S. Safrina could not hold on to her one-shot advantage and had to settle for third after shooting a disastrous seven-over 78 for a 152 total on the par-71 East Course.
It will be Kanphanitnan first appearance in the LPGA Tour event since taking the bold decision to turn professional at 14 in February last year.
“I couldn’t be more delighted ... the field may be small but it was a really tough two-day competition,” said Kanphanithan, who failed in her first attempt last year.
“To be returning here next month and playing against the world’s best makes me feel so excited.
“I’m going to give it my best shot and try to finish as high as possible in my first LPGA Tour event.
“I have three more years to go before I can apply to the Tour Qualifying School and try to get my Tour Card.”
The fifth edition of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia boasts a star-studded line-up of seven top-20 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking, headlined by world No. 1 Stacy Lewis.
Others who have confirmed their participation are New Zealand teenage sensation Lydia Ko (world No. 3), Norway’s Suzann Pettersen (world No. 4), South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon (No. 6), defending champion Lexi Thompson (No. 7) of the United States, Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist (No. 11) and American Christie Kerr (No. 12).
The four-day no-cut LPGA tournament will feature a total of 75 players – 63 from the LPGA Tour, six local golfers and six sponsor exemptions, including one from the Asian Qualifying Tournament.
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