Aretha clinches full playing rights on Thai LPGA Tour

A job well done: Aretha Pan receiving her full membership playing card from Thai LPGA president Kritsada Tanvilai.

PETALING JAYA: Perseverance paid off for Malaysian woman professional golfer Aretha Pan when she clinched full playing rights on the prestigious Thai LPGA Tour for the 2024 season.

Aretha finished an impressive second place in the just concluded Qualifying School at Watermill Golf and Country Club in Nakhon Nayok.

Aretha carded a final round of two-under 70 for a combined six-under 210 to place a solo second to ensure that she becomes the first Malaysian to feature in the Thai LPGA Tour.

Hitaashee Bakshi of India delivered a final-round score of four-under 68 to top the three-day competition at nine-under 207.

Altogether, a total of 20 players clinched full membership cards for the upcoming Thai LPGA Tour season.

A total of 11 tournaments took place on the Thai LPGA Tour last year. The Thai LPGA Tour has been the springboard to success for the current crop of world class Thai women golfers like former world No. 1s Ariya Jutanugarn and Atthaya Thitikul.

There are also no less than a dozen Thai golfers currently playing in the LPGA Tour.

Aretha, who is from Sabah and has won regularly in the Toyota Tour in Malaysia, was delighted to finally achieved her dream a decade after turning professional.

“The course presented heightened challenges due to the winds. This marks my third attempt to join the Thai LPGA Tour.

“While I typically participate in the Taiwan and China Tour, this will be my inaugural experience playing on the Thai LPGA Tour.

“It’s reminiscent of the China Tour with many emerging juniors. I had the opportunity to play with two local amateurs in the initial days and I noticed their immense potential. It’s a positive start for them on their journey to becoming professionals,” remarked the 30-year-old on the official Thai LPGA website.

Indian golfer Bakshi was also impressed by the significant growth in the Thai LPGA Tour compared to last year.

“The increased number of sponsors and heightened competition are evident. It’s about pushing one’s limits and delivering a strong game. I’m committed to participating in all tournaments on the Thai LPGA and eagerly anticipate a promising season,” she said.

FINAL SCORES

207: Hitaashee Bakshi (Ind) 68-71-68;

210: Aretha Pan (Mas) 70-70-70;

211: Prima Thammaraks (Tha) 76-68-67, Nichakorn Prinprayoon (Tha) 71-70-70, Tunrada Piddon (Tha, amateur) 68-73-70), Louise Uma Landgraf (Fra, amateur) 73-67-71, Lois Kaye Go (Phi) 70-69-72, Naphatsawan Pabsimma (Tha) 66-72-73;

212: Nattarika Sensai (Tha) 68-71-73, Chanokpisut Charoenpatt (Tha) 69-69-74, Taglao Jeeravivitaporn (Tha) 69-67-76.