Thai teenager Tavatanakit inspired by Jutanugarn sisters

May 31, 2018; Shoal Creek, AL, USA; Patty Tavatanakit looks on from 18th hole tee box during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship golf tournament at Shoal Creek. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

SHOAL CREEK, Ala. (Reuters) - Thai teenager Patty Tavatanakit found herself in elite company with a two-under-par 70 in the first round at the U.S. Women’s Open on Thursday, the latest in a growing production line of talent to emerge from her homeland.

The battle-hardened amateur, who plays collegiately at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), looked the part against the game’s top professionals, recording only one bogey in an almost blemish-free round at Shoal Creek.