Big payout for Thai teen’s remarkable finish but she can’t cash in

KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand showcased their latest female golfing talent with a remarkable third place finish from 17-year-old amateur Marisa Tojai (pic).

In a stacked world-class field featuring major champions, the teenager displayed nerves of steel at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club to finish just three strokes behind defending champion Miyu Yamashita of Japan.

Marisa had rounds of 72, 65, 65 and 67 to finish on 19-under 269 to share third spot with Pauline Roussin-Bouchard of France.

The tied-third finish carried an official prize payout of US$200,016 (RM811,705) but Marisa was not eligible to collect the prize money due to her amateur status.

However, the Thai teenager insisted the experience was far more valuable than the financial reward.

“I gained so much experience over these four days,” said Marisa.

“I learned a lot from the few mistakes I made and I will use that to develop further. This week proved that my game is right there. It was just a matter of dropping a few shots here and there.”

Asked what fuels the dominance of Thai women’s golf across the region, Marisa credited former world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul for inspiring the next generation.

“Jeeno is the idol for every single one of us.

“All the older players who turned professional before me showed us the path and we just want to follow in their footsteps and be as good as them.”