Atthaya Thitikul, 14, becomes youngest ever winner of professional event

 

Fourteen-year-old amateur Atthaya Thitikul has become the youngest known winner of a professional golf tour event with victory at the Ladies European Thailand Championship.

 

The Thai player finished five under after a level-par 72, two shots clear of Ana Menendez who carded a 75.

 

Due to her amateur status, Thitikul is not eligible for the 45,000 euros prize money (£40,000) - Mexican Menendez will receive the top prize.

 

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/40547166

 

-- © Copyright BBC 2017-07-10

Thai 14-year-old becomes youngest Ladies European Tour winner

 

(Reuters) - A 14-year-old amateur from Thailand won on the Ladies European Tour on Sunday, supplanting Lydia Ko as the youngest champion on the circuit.

 

Atthaya Thitikul, aged 14 years, four months and 19 days, clinched a two-stroke victory at the Ladies European Thailand Championship at Phoenix Country Club in Pattaya.

 

New Zealander Ko held the previous record as the youngest winner on the tour, after claiming the 2013 New Zealand Open at the age of 15 years, nine months and 17 days.

 

Ko went on to become the world number one until being deposed last month by Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand.

Thitikul said her caddie had kept her calm during the final round.

 

“I’m so happy and proud of myself,” she said after finishing at five-under 283, according to the Ladies European Tour website.

 

“I did not look nervous, but of course I felt nerves on the first tee and on the first hole.

 

“My family do not play golf. When I was younger, aged six, my father told me to play sport and he offered tennis or golf and I watched golf on TV and I liked it.”

 

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-07-10

Fabulous accomplishment. Thai youth need more people like her to look up to.

Well done young lady.. Thailand will be proud of you as well as your parents.. 

I followed her game on the final 18, she was awesome under what must have been tremendous pressure.

It was very hot out there and I was struggling at the end just walking. Menendez and Boulden of that group were amazing too.

It was a treat to watch.

Most impressive. Well done!