Patty Tavatanakit emerged victorious at the LPGA Thailand, clinching the title with a crucial birdie on the 18th hole, narrowly defeating Switzerland’s Albane Valenzuela by a mere stroke in an intense final round on Sunday.
This triumph marked Tavatanakit’s second consecutive win, following her success at the Saudi International on the Ladies European Tour just a week prior. Tavatanakit, a former major champion, showcased remarkable resilience and skill to secure her win with a total score of 21-under 267, closing the round with a score of 67.
Valenzuela, ranked 91st in the world, displayed a formidable challenge, particularly in the latter half of the course where she achieved six birdies, culminating in an impressive nine-under par 63 for the day.
The final moments at the par-five 18th were pivotal for Tavatanakit. Her third shot landed mere inches from the hole, setting up a tap-in for the win at Siam Country Club, Pattaya. This moment was emotionally charged for Tavatanakit, who was visibly moved by her achievement, especially in front of a home crowd.
“It was a whirlwind of emotions,” Tavatanakit confessed. “There was immense joy, and I felt incredibly proud.”
She acknowledged the pressure of performing well in her home country but remained focused on the task at hand. “I knew I had to stay calm and execute that final chip and putt to secure the victory,” she explained. “When my ball stopped just inches from the hole, I knew I had clinched it.”
The tournament, with a purse of $1.7 million, saw South Korea’s Kim Sei-young and Choi Hye-jin finishing tied for third place, trailing by two shots.
Valenzuela had momentarily taken the clubhouse lead with a total score of 20-under 268. Tavatanakit, who began the day with a three-stroke lead, faced a brief setback with a bogey at the 15th hole but regained her composure to birdie the 16th and the crucial 18th, thereby securing her second LPGA title since her 2021 ANA Inspiration win.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Tavatanakit expressed. “Winning here feels like a dream come true. It’s still hard to believe what I accomplished today.”
Tavatanakit’s victory added her name to the prestigious list of homegrown LPGA Thailand champions, a feat previously achieved by Ariya Jutanugarn in 2021.
Reflecting on her journey, Tavatanakit said, “It feels almost surreal. There was a time when I was just a spectator, and now, to be competing and winning among some of the best players in the world is an incredible feeling.”
Valenzuela, who began the final day trailing by five strokes, made a strong start with an early birdie and an eagle on the fifth hole. Her remarkable performance, especially with six birdies in the last eight holes, briefly put her in the lead.
“I’m incredibly proud of my performance,” Valenzuela remarked. “I gave it my all today, stayed focused and calm throughout. This experience has been invaluable, and I’m eager to find myself in such competitive positions more often in the future.”
This tournament not only highlighted Tavatanakit’s growing prowess on the international stage but also underscored the depth of talent and competitive spirit within women’s golf, promising more thrilling contests in the tournaments to come.
