July 14, 2022 • 59 mins
Today, it may seem commonplace to see Thai payers competing for victory on the LPGA, but there was a time not too long ago when there was a single pioneer carrying the responsibility of representing Thailand on the LPGA. Virada Nirapathpongporn, or Oui Virada, was the first player from Thailand to achieve full time membership status on the LPGA.
She relocated to Florida from her home in Bangkok to attend the Leadbetter - IMG Academy as a teenager. From there, she moved into NCAA Division 1 golf with the Duke Blue Devils and never looked back. In her sophomore year, she led the Blue Devils to the National Championship while winning the individual championship by 4-strokes over Arizona's Lorena Ochoa.
From her unique vantage point as a pioneer of Thai golf, Oui Virada discusses how much Thai golf has grown and developed since she was a junior player. She also discusses her own journey into professional golf and the responsibility of representing her home country on the world professional golf stage. She also shares some great advice for parents and junior players who share the dream of wanting to go as far as they can in the sport.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Douglas Maida (00:21):
Hello and good afternoon. Welcome to We're
day, as well as bringing youguests from around the world of
is another inner series thatlooks at the sport of golf
(00:48):
the growth of the sport, and ourguests personal journey with
known in Thai, ViradaNirapathpongporn. Now, if you're
(01:10):
themselves a nickname, or tohave a loved one provide them
and a little bit more difficultto pronounce as such.
So in this case, Virada wasgiven the nickname Oui by her
(01:34):
real name Virada, my apologiesin advance. Now, Oui was a
status on the LPGA Tour. And indoing so, in many respects, she
(01:56):
North America, she became aclosely followed player back
golf provided. Virada enjoyed avery successful amateur career
Academy, competing in several AJGA events. AJGA is the American
(02:29):
Duke University. In hersophomore year, she led the Blue
In addition, she was also theNCAA individual champion,
(02:53):
Oui Virada also won the 2003United States Women's Amateur
going to take a short break. Andwhen we come back, we will chat
more, so please stay with us.
(04:00):
Hi, we're back. Thank you forstaying with us. Now, let's get
(05:39):
Bangkok. Let's give a big We'reTalking Golf welcome to Virada
Oui Virada (05:47):
Hi, guys. Hello, guys, "saudi-ha". Thanks so much
apology for being late ingetting back to you guys. I
(06:08):
at the time three months or sonso I somehow I missed the
Douglas Maida (06:16):
Our pleasure.
It's our pleasure and quitego with it. So congratulations
to you on that -- to you and
Oui Virada (06:26):
Thank you. Thank you. Oh, if you can hear I can
Douglas Maida (06:37):
You have them well trained. Tell us a little
what you've been doing sinceyou've retired from professional
Oui Virada (06:56):
Well, I'm I'm in Bangkok, Thailand. As you can
Thailand, I have been back inThailand for let's see, probably
(07:21):
retired and moved right back. Itwas very bittersweet, I would, I
years old then. So I spent halfof my life in the US. And it was
(07:50):
time away from home and I justreally wanted to come back and
for about five years. And mybrother was abroad. So just
(08:11):
was was needed. But I think it'sbeen it's been great since.
Douglas Maida (08:25):
Well, since you've returned to Thailand,
right into teaching? Or were youtaking a mental break away from
Oui Virada (08:44):
I pretty much you I mean, you hit it right in the
retire. Like forever, I justknew I needed a break. So I came
(09:08):
successful. And I knew that andif I wasn't mentally 100% I knew
I came home and literally staredat the wall for two months.
(09:34):
14 years. It's hard to doanything else because you I
important to me.
So I got my degree from DukeUniversity and I did plays some
(09:58):
So it was a similar path that Icould really share my personal
It was hard to jump right intoanything. So I had to kind of
were people were giving meopportunities right away to
(10:24):
didn't have any experience inthat I, I only played my golf, I
thought about maybe extending myfurther studies into like the
(10:49):
and when it when the time camefor applying for the program, I
do. I just knew that it wassomething maybe I wanted to do
(11:14):
Golf Association. So theyreached out to me and asked me
sounds right, the right fit forme because I would be leading
(11:38):
these girls had hopes and dreamsof following a similar path,
(12:09):
it was how do I say this? Therewas? Yeah, I did it for seven
married, things slowed down alittle bit. And then so okay,
(12:33):
was my first job. I reallyenjoyed it. I played with the
I was training myself to thegirls like nutrition, fitness,
(12:56):
time, I had some opportunitieswith the media and they
was offered.
The Asian Tour Media gaveoffered me a oncourse comment,
(13:26):
but I only did it for six, sevenevents because I soon realized
job was fun, but it still got meto travel. And the worst thing
(13:56):
with Fox, Fox Asia, to covergolf on the major events like
golf in the air conditionedstudio.
(14:17):
And then gives me I've alsodone, which I'm still doing
on the program, which I'm stilldoing so like I said I with my
(14:46):
married in 2015 and I was stilltraveling so much that my my
I mean both the husband and thedoc And then I was really busy
(15:15):
having extending our family, youknow, so I finally was
working seven days a week to nowbeing home. Seven days a week,
Douglas Maida (15:40):
does your husband play golf?
Oui Virada (15:42):
Yeah, he loves golf.
I think he plays more golf thanhe's played at least one round a
week.
Douglas Maida (15:55):
Okay. Okay. Well, when you came back, did you I
again?
Oui Virada (16:09):
Um, well I didn't, my job with Thailand Ladies Golf
I was in stressing over thethree footers. I I could just
(16:33):
one hour before the round andstressing whether today was
Douglas Maida (16:43):
Did you notice that you played better when you
Oui Virada (16:49):
Absolutely.
Absolutely. And, ofcourse, if I could go back my
Douglas Maida (16:50):
Really?
looking back, I realized, Imean, the reason why I didn't
(17:12):
I'm quite a worrier. And I thinkyou can't worry yourself, you
fought. Right?
Very correct.
Correct? Yes. It reminds me ofyear, she won two seasons ago.
(17:43):
And she had been sharing with us
Oui Virada (17:53):
And what I have also worked with them as well. Yeah,
Douglas Maida (17:58):
She was saying about the, the emphasis that
because life goes on. It's notlike it's going to be a critical
(18:20):
how to just oh, well, that was abad put on my part, just move
But just giving that sort ofsentiment about learning to just
in the moment. Is that somethingthat?
Oui Virada (18:39):
Yeah, absolutely. I think it is a simple concept,
like you're you have to perform.
Now you know, and you can't waitground. So all things like this
(19:04):
are circling my mind back then.
You just have to do your best toto cut all these you know,
concept. You just really have toclear your mind and try to enjoy
(19:36):
my, my my future self in thenext life if I had a chance to
just joined the tour for oneyear and I felt like I had to be
(20:02):
first couple of tournaments. Andthat I mean, that's a lot of
you know, on the world stagewhere everybody else is so good.
Douglas Maida (20:18):
Virada, did you feel any pressure being one of
I correct in that?
Oui Virada (20:31):
I was a technically correct in that I was the first
She did play on the LPGA. putbefore me on conditional steps.
Douglas Maida (21:00):
So when you were playing, did you feel additional
Thailand were, we're going to bewatching or following you.
Oui Virada (21:13):
Absolutely. I think feeling the pressure is it's an
was like they're one of thefirst one to accept sponsorship
(21:38):
don't feel like you have toprove the reason why they gave
was going through my my headwhile I was trying to hit this
(21:59):
only Thai out there. It was alonely road, I must say, you
your, your family, your caddy,your coach, your psychologist, I
Douglas Maida (22:26):
Virada let me ask you this, then. Around the time
LPGA a little bit to compete.
Now they are half Thai descent.
talking about air Aree and NareeSong.
Oui Virada (22:48):
Oh yeah. Aree and Naree Song, very good friend of
Mai. From Bangkok. But we didwhen we were about I was 15.
(23:17):
their brother Chan Song. So thefour of us went to that
move over like theirs. So wewere very close, grew up playing
(23:43):
at Harvard, I think.
Douglas Maida (23:45):
So in a roundabout way, you've all
generations of Thai players.
Oui Virada (23:56):
Yes, yes. And we both like what we were saying
actually playing golf itself. Weplay from the red tees, we we
Douglas Maida (24:19):
terrific. That's terrific. Virada, we're gonna
background in golf, and where wesee golf headed in Thailand, if
Oui Virada (24:32):
Oh, yeah, sure.
Douglas Maida (24:34):
Please stay with us. We'll be right back after
Hi, we're back. Thank you verymuch for staying with us. Our
(26:41):
Thailand to join the LPGA andhas been a pioneering
had been happening on the LPGAfor you and things like that.
(27:03):
golf. It's been almost, whatalmost 20 years since you first
Oui Virada (27:18):
That sounds makes me sound really, really old. But
Douglas Maida (27:26):
So it's almost been 20 years. Now that you look
the earliest players, and as youmentioned, the first player to
twin sisters and Aree and Nareewho played on the LPGA a bit as
(27:56):
can't recall. I can't be sure ifI'm saying her name. Right. But
Oui Virada (28:04):
Waen. Okay, Waen Yes, yes. Pornanong Phatlum.
success on the LPGA she's kepther card all these years. So I
(28:31):
Moriya and then obviously, Moand May success further sparks
it's been a nice cycle.
Douglas Maida (28:48):
Right? And I was gonna say, I talk with a lot of
the things that everybody hasbeen saying for the last five
Oui Virada (29:05):
Yeah, that's nice to hear that. It's nice to hear
so many new golfers, and so manymore golfers than we do. But I
(29:34):
over 10 players and what they'reall pretty competitive.
Douglas Maida (29:38):
Present time now you've got a lot of Thai players
10 and she's in the top 20 aswell. Ariya, I believe was a
double major winner as well.
Moriya has been competitive youBut of course, as you had
(30:07):
mentioned, we go back to look atshe bridged it to where the
Jutanugarn sisters came on. Andgolf in Thailand become that
much more popular? So that they
Oui Virada (30:35):
The first thing that comes to mind? Is that Honda
saying, you know, all thesesuccesses, in steps me,
(31:02):
happens in steps, you know, forme to finally reach the LPGA as
on tour, where there wasn'tanybody from Thailand on tour
(31:31):
that, okay, one day, I want tobe there.
And then so Pornanong, wasplaying, was starting, I
7-Seven people who brought anLPGA event to Thailand for the
(32:04):
instead of seeing all theseworld class players on the TV,
time, I think she must have beenonly maybe 15 or 16, she got a
room, all these players that shesaw on TV.
(32:26):
So she then after thattournament, I'm sure she got a
years later and got her owncard. And then the Honda LPGA
(32:47):
is so popular. And like I said,I think it's it's that bringing,
these, these world players thatwe see on TV. And then when we
(33:14):
seven, eight year old girls arenow saying, oh, I want to do
Douglas Maida (33:19):
And it's nice to see the way it's it's grown. And
every year as being a catalystfor developing golf. And that
the sport.
Oui Virada (33:38):
in my, when it first came in 2006 pretty much I
know we we did compete more andmore. And then finally we had a
Douglas Maida (34:01):
Wow. And she came very close one time as well. A
relief and happiness to tofinally when at home. Yeah, it
second. And I think if Iremember correctly, this is off
Oui Virada (34:26):
Yeah, I think she was leading maybe the first
Douglas Maida (34:34):
Yeah, I think so.
I think so. So it was anus how you came to play golf? I
mean, how did you first get
Oui Virada (34:48):
Oh, sure. Um, my father, who was a general
rather, and me was the last oneto take up the sport at eight
(35:12):
time. And you can imagine it wasmore fun for a young girl to be
admit, I wasn't hooked rightaway until, until one day, my
(35:42):
swim so hard, and all you get issmall medals. And then here, my
trophies too. So that was theend of the this. How I started.
So yeah, I pretty much it tookme about two years until I
(36:14):
there weren't that many girlscompeting. So yeah, I won. And
look into the kids golfschedule, I mean, there may be
(36:41):
so much from from those some 30years ago. So I pretty much won,
golf. And when I was about 13,Leadbetter Academy came to
(37:11):
was the golf instructor headdirector. Yeah. And he he
Also, when I was about 13, Istarted competing more
(37:37):
Malaysia, who were older thanme. They were 17, 18, 19 years
about US college and gettingscholarships. And that's how I
Douglas Maida (38:05):
Well, speaking of that, you were fairly
your career, particularly youramateur career. You go to Duke
(38:26):
team wins the team competition.
And in doing so, you beatArizona. And in doing so, in
winning the individual, you
Oui Virada (38:49):
Yes, that was.
Douglas Maida (38:51):
Now you come to the very next year, and you are
you think now when you look backon it?
Oui Virada (39:03):
What do I think about that? That stretch? I got
Douglas Maida (39:07):
yeah, yeah. What do you think now when you look
wonderful those two years wereor, or what do you think now?
Oui Virada (39:19):
Yeah, you know, those were like you said it was
this, you know, golf historylike Loredana and I learned a
(39:47):
chance of achieving it.
Especially at that. US amateur Iwith match play because growing
up in Thailand, we always playthe US amateur I got to the
(40:14):
quarterfinals, I believe in thetired physically, mentally, I
didn't really pace myself well.
(40:39):
My dad went back to the house,we rented and, and started
finals tomorrow. I said why? Hesaid why? I said, because I want
(41:00):
I left. This year, I lost in thequiet quarterfinals. I don't
the semifinals in the finals.
Because next year, I'll beyou stay here I'll go. So I went
out and watch them play in thecan do this next year. And so
(41:29):
the following year. Yes. I whentrophy. And somehow, in my
heart, I was saying, I want tothat you're as good as anybody
(41:58):
in this field, you just haveAnd that's my whole attitude.
The entire week, and it's hard
Douglas Maida (42:22):
Did your father remember what you had said to
Oui Virada (42:25):
I'm sure he passed away some years ago, 17 years
know, strong in in her ownthoughts that that she she knows
(42:51):
okay
Douglas Maida (42:52):
Beretta, you are kind of what you weren't kind of
being a bit of a go to playerthat the others wanted to play
(43:12):
college golf was such a goodexperience for you that you
Oui Virada (43:18):
absolutely. For years of, of grooming myself of
have to stay up and catch up onmy work, the next day have to
(43:42):
years of, of preparing myself tobe ready, after graduation to be
anybody, if they have a chanceto play college golf, that they
Douglas Maida (44:07):
Now, one of the things I've noticed, and I'm
jump right into professionalgolf in their teenage years. And
(44:28):
you give to some of the playersnow as to understanding or
when they should take thatlittle bit of time to develop as
kind of an individual having tomake that decision for
Oui Virada (44:52):
I think that's the thing. I it's very difficult to
it would take a lot of guts tosay, All right, let's drop the
(45:17):
they are both doctors. So theyeducation is high on their
a question whether I wouldfinish, but it was a small
(45:40):
never a question for me. And mydad really was really glad that
Rose, jumped right after hissuccess at the British Open. 17
(46:02):
we thought that he was done. Andfinally, I mean, good for him.
stories like Justin who havejust, you know, pretty much went
(46:27):
Moriah RTR, but we don't see theunsuccessful stories. So it's
Unless I would tell because Ihave parents asking me the same
(46:49):
good, okay, exceptional and notgreat in school. So these are
in golf, and good in schooltool, I mean, okay, in school, I
(47:13):
she's thankful for that.
Douglas Maida (47:15):
Right. And she's mentioned that too, in some of
UCLA and being able to grow as aperson and, and develop maturity
out, right off the bat, in ourinterview today, the adjustment
(47:42):
yourself for yourself and havingto just travel everywhere,
Oui Virada (47:50):
and all of that all the physical exhaustion on top
levels. And that's why they,they're called professionals,
Douglas Maida (48:12):
important was the Duke University Program to you.
Oui Virada (48:18):
Yeah, I really enjoy my team, my coach, Dan Brooks,
Still today, I've got friends inthe US in Switzerland, in
Douglas Maida (48:45):
Rather, you're in a stage in life. Now, when you
Thailand changed from when youwere a junior and you were
developed so that the youngerplayers can receive the coaching
Oui Virada (49:15):
Okay, it's got many dimensions to this questions.
technologies. And that comesalong with code Ching
(49:40):
as as a whole. Thailand also hasbenefits like that as well. And
(50:02):
are world class. And if we goback to what I was saying about
think we're now capable ofbringing stages like that to
(50:24):
world class events in Thailand,bridging that gap between seeing
golf populations. As far asnumber of golfers golf
(50:50):
from on the professional levels,I think we have gone 10 force
Douglas Maida (50:56):
And I guess on the men's side, too, I was gonna
right. Punk shy JD
Oui Virada (51:06):
huh. He's like the porn I know of, of the man.
Douglas Maida (51:13):
Played Asian tour, he played on the European
Oui Virada (51:19):
And he's just recently one. So that shows the
old, I can play on the seniortour and wins.
Douglas Maida (51:37):
Right right.
Well, yes. And coming up after
Oui Virada (51:42):
Can you read? Did you read it? Yeah. Jack. The
Gundersen goon Oh, we have somany coming up. But I think to
(52:06):
physically I think guys are thephysical part is more important.
Douglas Maida (52:24):
well, the type players now are incredible. I
and her driving distance,especially when she wanted the
yards total distance and, andand a tie is no slouch. And
(52:53):
using her sometimes three woodbut mostly a driving iron off
Oui Virada (52:59):
So yeah, I guess the physical side of it has now
Douglas Maida (53:09):
Yeah, yeah. And a lot of the tape players are
the science, the nutrition, thetraining, and things like that.
Thailand just produce so manywonderful players. Yes. Virada,
(53:39):
bit older, tells you that hewants to play golf and he wants
Oui Virada (53:47):
Well, hey, if he comes and tells me, Mom, I want
But it has really come from him.
I have obviously I would fullywill be even more difficult. I
(54:13):
think, you know, I for me, theevery every new season. So you
can imagine by the time my sonanyway, it will be really
(54:39):
difficult. But I would tell himyou. To I would tell him nothing
is is forever. You know,having a hard time, tomorrow is
(55:05):
a new day. It's something that Imuch. And I know I hold it, you
know, instead of letting it go,the Buddhist teaching that
(55:28):
nothing is forever, you know,granted that it's going to
always be there. So And lastly,
Douglas Maida (55:56):
Right? Would you will though, introduce them to
Oui Virada (56:00):
Of course, I mean, I've already taken him to the
Douglas Maida (56:05):
Let's have one little playful question here
golf development for Thailand,what would your dream setup be?
Oui Virada (56:24):
so exciting, endless supply of money. I would build a
look out and all I see isconcrete, you know, buildings
(56:53):
some kids may be too young. Sothey, they hit one, they walk,
accommodate that. But it wouldbe nice to have a kids
(57:15):
the time. And because I thinkfor in Thailand right now, it's
learning on the course. Becausethe golf course is for adults,
(57:41):
kids are off school. The caddiesdon't want to just go out for
I think it's hard for young kidslike, you know, five to 10 years
Douglas Maida (58:01):
Wow, that's a fantastic idea. Wonderful
kids involved in the playdatesand
Oui Virada (58:11):
Yeah, but that would have to come with endless amount
Douglas Maida (58:18):
Well, we're at a we're at the end of our show,
Oui Virada (58:22):
Oh, so sad.
Douglas Maida (58:24):
I know. There's so much. I'm so surprised at how
delightful person, and veryinsightful and love your
Oui Virada (58:38):
It's been a really nice break away from my usual
interactions have been a littlebit limited, I must say. So this
Douglas Maida (59:02):
While we're glad we could accommodate and help
fantastic spot right now.
Oui Virada (59:13):
Yes, thank you so much for having me.
Douglas Maida (59:16):
That's going to be our show today, folks. Thank
Amy (Studio) (59:21):
Thank you. You have been listening to our
Sunday, July 10 2022. If youhave an idea for a future show,
(59:42):
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the world of golf.
Hello and good afternoon. Welcome to We're
day, as well as bringing youguests from around the world of
is another inner series thatlooks at the sport of golf
(00:48):
the growth of the sport, and ourguests personal journey with
known in Thai, ViradaNirapathpongporn. Now, if you're
(01:10):
themselves a nickname, or tohave a loved one provide them
and a little bit more difficultto pronounce as such.
So in this case, Virada wasgiven the nickname Oui by her
(01:34):
real name Virada, my apologiesin advance. Now, Oui was a
status on the LPGA Tour. And indoing so, in many respects, she
(01:56):
North America, she became aclosely followed player back
golf provided. Virada enjoyed avery successful amateur career
Academy, competing in several AJGA events. AJGA is the American
(02:29):
Duke University. In hersophomore year, she led the Blue
In addition, she was also theNCAA individual champion,
(02:53):
Oui Virada also won the 2003United States Women's Amateur
going to take a short break. Andwhen we come back, we will chat
more, so please stay with us.
(04:00):
Hi, we're back. Thank you forstaying with us. Now, let's get
(05:39):
Bangkok. Let's give a big We'reTalking Golf welcome to Virada
Oui Virada (05:47):
Hi, guys. Hello, guys, "saudi-ha". Thanks so much
apology for being late ingetting back to you guys. I
(06:08):
at the time three months or sonso I somehow I missed the
Douglas Maida (06:16):
Our pleasure.
It's our pleasure and quitego with it. So congratulations
to you on that -- to you and
Oui Virada (06:26):
Thank you. Thank you. Oh, if you can hear I can
Douglas Maida (06:37):
You have them well trained. Tell us a little
what you've been doing sinceyou've retired from professional
Oui Virada (06:56):
Well, I'm I'm in Bangkok, Thailand. As you can
Thailand, I have been back inThailand for let's see, probably
(07:21):
retired and moved right back. Itwas very bittersweet, I would, I
years old then. So I spent halfof my life in the US. And it was
(07:50):
time away from home and I justreally wanted to come back and
for about five years. And mybrother was abroad. So just
(08:11):
was was needed. But I think it'sbeen it's been great since.
Douglas Maida (08:25):
Well, since you've returned to Thailand,
right into teaching? Or were youtaking a mental break away from
Oui Virada (08:44):
I pretty much you I mean, you hit it right in the
retire. Like forever, I justknew I needed a break. So I came
(09:08):
successful. And I knew that andif I wasn't mentally 100% I knew
I came home and literally staredat the wall for two months.
(09:34):
14 years. It's hard to doanything else because you I
important to me.
So I got my degree from DukeUniversity and I did plays some
(09:58):
So it was a similar path that Icould really share my personal
It was hard to jump right intoanything. So I had to kind of
were people were giving meopportunities right away to
(10:24):
didn't have any experience inthat I, I only played my golf, I
thought about maybe extending myfurther studies into like the
(10:49):
and when it when the time camefor applying for the program, I
do. I just knew that it wassomething maybe I wanted to do
(11:14):
Golf Association. So theyreached out to me and asked me
sounds right, the right fit forme because I would be leading
(11:38):
these girls had hopes and dreamsof following a similar path,
(12:09):
it was how do I say this? Therewas? Yeah, I did it for seven
married, things slowed down alittle bit. And then so okay,
(12:33):
was my first job. I reallyenjoyed it. I played with the
I was training myself to thegirls like nutrition, fitness,
(12:56):
time, I had some opportunitieswith the media and they
was offered.
The Asian Tour Media gaveoffered me a oncourse comment,
(13:26):
but I only did it for six, sevenevents because I soon realized
job was fun, but it still got meto travel. And the worst thing
(13:56):
with Fox, Fox Asia, to covergolf on the major events like
golf in the air conditionedstudio.
(14:17):
And then gives me I've alsodone, which I'm still doing
on the program, which I'm stilldoing so like I said I with my
(14:46):
married in 2015 and I was stilltraveling so much that my my
I mean both the husband and thedoc And then I was really busy
(15:15):
having extending our family, youknow, so I finally was
working seven days a week to nowbeing home. Seven days a week,
Douglas Maida (15:40):
does your husband play golf?
Oui Virada (15:42):
Yeah, he loves golf.
I think he plays more golf thanhe's played at least one round a
week.
Douglas Maida (15:55):
Okay. Okay. Well, when you came back, did you I
again?
Oui Virada (16:09):
Um, well I didn't, my job with Thailand Ladies Golf
I was in stressing over thethree footers. I I could just
(16:33):
one hour before the round andstressing whether today was
Douglas Maida (16:43):
Did you notice that you played better when you
Oui Virada (16:49):
Absolutely.
Absolutely. And, ofcourse, if I could go back my
Douglas Maida (16:50):
Really?
looking back, I realized, Imean, the reason why I didn't
(17:12):
I'm quite a worrier. And I thinkyou can't worry yourself, you
fought. Right?
Very correct.
Correct? Yes. It reminds me ofyear, she won two seasons ago.
(17:43):
And she had been sharing with us
Oui Virada (17:53):
And what I have also worked with them as well. Yeah,
Douglas Maida (17:58):
She was saying about the, the emphasis that
because life goes on. It's notlike it's going to be a critical
(18:20):
how to just oh, well, that was abad put on my part, just move
But just giving that sort ofsentiment about learning to just
in the moment. Is that somethingthat?
Oui Virada (18:39):
Yeah, absolutely. I think it is a simple concept,
like you're you have to perform.
Now you know, and you can't waitground. So all things like this
(19:04):
are circling my mind back then.
You just have to do your best toto cut all these you know,
concept. You just really have toclear your mind and try to enjoy
(19:36):
my, my my future self in thenext life if I had a chance to
just joined the tour for oneyear and I felt like I had to be
(20:02):
first couple of tournaments. Andthat I mean, that's a lot of
you know, on the world stagewhere everybody else is so good.
Douglas Maida (20:18):
Virada, did you feel any pressure being one of
I correct in that?
Oui Virada (20:31):
I was a technically correct in that I was the first
She did play on the LPGA. putbefore me on conditional steps.
Douglas Maida (21:00):
So when you were playing, did you feel additional
Thailand were, we're going to bewatching or following you.
Oui Virada (21:13):
Absolutely. I think feeling the pressure is it's an
was like they're one of thefirst one to accept sponsorship
(21:38):
don't feel like you have toprove the reason why they gave
was going through my my headwhile I was trying to hit this
(21:59):
only Thai out there. It was alonely road, I must say, you
your, your family, your caddy,your coach, your psychologist, I
Douglas Maida (22:26):
Virada let me ask you this, then. Around the time
LPGA a little bit to compete.
Now they are half Thai descent.
talking about air Aree and NareeSong.
Oui Virada (22:48):
Oh yeah. Aree and Naree Song, very good friend of
Mai. From Bangkok. But we didwhen we were about I was 15.
(23:17):
their brother Chan Song. So thefour of us went to that
move over like theirs. So wewere very close, grew up playing
(23:43):
at Harvard, I think.
Douglas Maida (23:45):
So in a roundabout way, you've all
generations of Thai players.
Oui Virada (23:56):
Yes, yes. And we both like what we were saying
actually playing golf itself. Weplay from the red tees, we we
Douglas Maida (24:19):
terrific. That's terrific. Virada, we're gonna
background in golf, and where wesee golf headed in Thailand, if
Oui Virada (24:32):
Oh, yeah, sure.
Douglas Maida (24:34):
Please stay with us. We'll be right back after
Hi, we're back. Thank you verymuch for staying with us. Our
(26:41):
Thailand to join the LPGA andhas been a pioneering
had been happening on the LPGAfor you and things like that.
(27:03):
golf. It's been almost, whatalmost 20 years since you first
Oui Virada (27:18):
That sounds makes me sound really, really old. But
Douglas Maida (27:26):
So it's almost been 20 years. Now that you look
the earliest players, and as youmentioned, the first player to
twin sisters and Aree and Nareewho played on the LPGA a bit as
(27:56):
can't recall. I can't be sure ifI'm saying her name. Right. But
Oui Virada (28:04):
Waen. Okay, Waen Yes, yes. Pornanong Phatlum.
success on the LPGA she's kepther card all these years. So I
(28:31):
Moriya and then obviously, Moand May success further sparks
it's been a nice cycle.
Douglas Maida (28:48):
Right? And I was gonna say, I talk with a lot of
the things that everybody hasbeen saying for the last five
Oui Virada (29:05):
Yeah, that's nice to hear that. It's nice to hear
so many new golfers, and so manymore golfers than we do. But I
(29:34):
over 10 players and what they'reall pretty competitive.
Douglas Maida (29:38):
Present time now you've got a lot of Thai players
10 and she's in the top 20 aswell. Ariya, I believe was a
double major winner as well.
Moriya has been competitive youBut of course, as you had
(30:07):
mentioned, we go back to look atshe bridged it to where the
Jutanugarn sisters came on. Andgolf in Thailand become that
much more popular? So that they
Oui Virada (30:35):
The first thing that comes to mind? Is that Honda
saying, you know, all thesesuccesses, in steps me,
(31:02):
happens in steps, you know, forme to finally reach the LPGA as
on tour, where there wasn'tanybody from Thailand on tour
(31:31):
that, okay, one day, I want tobe there.
And then so Pornanong, wasplaying, was starting, I
7-Seven people who brought anLPGA event to Thailand for the
(32:04):
instead of seeing all theseworld class players on the TV,
time, I think she must have beenonly maybe 15 or 16, she got a
room, all these players that shesaw on TV.
(32:26):
So she then after thattournament, I'm sure she got a
years later and got her owncard. And then the Honda LPGA
(32:47):
is so popular. And like I said,I think it's it's that bringing,
these, these world players thatwe see on TV. And then when we
(33:14):
seven, eight year old girls arenow saying, oh, I want to do
Douglas Maida (33:19):
And it's nice to see the way it's it's grown. And
every year as being a catalystfor developing golf. And that
the sport.
Oui Virada (33:38):
in my, when it first came in 2006 pretty much I
know we we did compete more andmore. And then finally we had a
Douglas Maida (34:01):
Wow. And she came very close one time as well. A
relief and happiness to tofinally when at home. Yeah, it
second. And I think if Iremember correctly, this is off
Oui Virada (34:26):
Yeah, I think she was leading maybe the first
Douglas Maida (34:34):
Yeah, I think so.
I think so. So it was anus how you came to play golf? I
mean, how did you first get
Oui Virada (34:48):
Oh, sure. Um, my father, who was a general
rather, and me was the last oneto take up the sport at eight
(35:12):
time. And you can imagine it wasmore fun for a young girl to be
admit, I wasn't hooked rightaway until, until one day, my
(35:42):
swim so hard, and all you get issmall medals. And then here, my
trophies too. So that was theend of the this. How I started.
So yeah, I pretty much it tookme about two years until I
(36:14):
there weren't that many girlscompeting. So yeah, I won. And
look into the kids golfschedule, I mean, there may be
(36:41):
so much from from those some 30years ago. So I pretty much won,
golf. And when I was about 13,Leadbetter Academy came to
(37:11):
was the golf instructor headdirector. Yeah. And he he
Also, when I was about 13, Istarted competing more
(37:37):
Malaysia, who were older thanme. They were 17, 18, 19 years
about US college and gettingscholarships. And that's how I
Douglas Maida (38:05):
Well, speaking of that, you were fairly
your career, particularly youramateur career. You go to Duke
(38:26):
team wins the team competition.
And in doing so, you beatArizona. And in doing so, in
winning the individual, you
Oui Virada (38:49):
Yes, that was.
Douglas Maida (38:51):
Now you come to the very next year, and you are
you think now when you look backon it?
Oui Virada (39:03):
What do I think about that? That stretch? I got
Douglas Maida (39:07):
yeah, yeah. What do you think now when you look
wonderful those two years wereor, or what do you think now?
Oui Virada (39:19):
Yeah, you know, those were like you said it was
this, you know, golf historylike Loredana and I learned a
(39:47):
chance of achieving it.
Especially at that. US amateur Iwith match play because growing
up in Thailand, we always playthe US amateur I got to the
(40:14):
quarterfinals, I believe in thetired physically, mentally, I
didn't really pace myself well.
(40:39):
My dad went back to the house,we rented and, and started
finals tomorrow. I said why? Hesaid why? I said, because I want
(41:00):
I left. This year, I lost in thequiet quarterfinals. I don't
the semifinals in the finals.
Because next year, I'll beyou stay here I'll go. So I went
out and watch them play in thecan do this next year. And so
(41:29):
the following year. Yes. I whentrophy. And somehow, in my
heart, I was saying, I want tothat you're as good as anybody
(41:58):
in this field, you just haveAnd that's my whole attitude.
The entire week, and it's hard
Douglas Maida (42:22):
Did your father remember what you had said to
Oui Virada (42:25):
I'm sure he passed away some years ago, 17 years
know, strong in in her ownthoughts that that she she knows
(42:51):
okay
Douglas Maida (42:52):
Beretta, you are kind of what you weren't kind of
being a bit of a go to playerthat the others wanted to play
(43:12):
college golf was such a goodexperience for you that you
Oui Virada (43:18):
absolutely. For years of, of grooming myself of
have to stay up and catch up onmy work, the next day have to
(43:42):
years of, of preparing myself tobe ready, after graduation to be
anybody, if they have a chanceto play college golf, that they
Douglas Maida (44:07):
Now, one of the things I've noticed, and I'm
jump right into professionalgolf in their teenage years. And
(44:28):
you give to some of the playersnow as to understanding or
when they should take thatlittle bit of time to develop as
kind of an individual having tomake that decision for
Oui Virada (44:52):
I think that's the thing. I it's very difficult to
it would take a lot of guts tosay, All right, let's drop the
(45:17):
they are both doctors. So theyeducation is high on their
a question whether I wouldfinish, but it was a small
(45:40):
never a question for me. And mydad really was really glad that
Rose, jumped right after hissuccess at the British Open. 17
(46:02):
we thought that he was done. Andfinally, I mean, good for him.
stories like Justin who havejust, you know, pretty much went
(46:27):
Moriah RTR, but we don't see theunsuccessful stories. So it's
Unless I would tell because Ihave parents asking me the same
(46:49):
good, okay, exceptional and notgreat in school. So these are
in golf, and good in schooltool, I mean, okay, in school, I
(47:13):
she's thankful for that.
Douglas Maida (47:15):
Right. And she's mentioned that too, in some of
UCLA and being able to grow as aperson and, and develop maturity
out, right off the bat, in ourinterview today, the adjustment
(47:42):
yourself for yourself and havingto just travel everywhere,
Oui Virada (47:50):
and all of that all the physical exhaustion on top
levels. And that's why they,they're called professionals,
Douglas Maida (48:12):
important was the Duke University Program to you.
Oui Virada (48:18):
Yeah, I really enjoy my team, my coach, Dan Brooks,
Still today, I've got friends inthe US in Switzerland, in
Douglas Maida (48:45):
Rather, you're in a stage in life. Now, when you
Thailand changed from when youwere a junior and you were
developed so that the youngerplayers can receive the coaching
Oui Virada (49:15):
Okay, it's got many dimensions to this questions.
technologies. And that comesalong with code Ching
(49:40):
as as a whole. Thailand also hasbenefits like that as well. And
(50:02):
are world class. And if we goback to what I was saying about
think we're now capable ofbringing stages like that to
(50:24):
world class events in Thailand,bridging that gap between seeing
golf populations. As far asnumber of golfers golf
(50:50):
from on the professional levels,I think we have gone 10 force
Douglas Maida (50:56):
And I guess on the men's side, too, I was gonna
right. Punk shy JD
Oui Virada (51:06):
huh. He's like the porn I know of, of the man.
Douglas Maida (51:13):
Played Asian tour, he played on the European
Oui Virada (51:19):
And he's just recently one. So that shows the
old, I can play on the seniortour and wins.
Douglas Maida (51:37):
Right right.
Well, yes. And coming up after
Oui Virada (51:42):
Can you read? Did you read it? Yeah. Jack. The
Gundersen goon Oh, we have somany coming up. But I think to
(52:06):
physically I think guys are thephysical part is more important.
Douglas Maida (52:24):
well, the type players now are incredible. I
and her driving distance,especially when she wanted the
yards total distance and, andand a tie is no slouch. And
(52:53):
using her sometimes three woodbut mostly a driving iron off
Oui Virada (52:59):
So yeah, I guess the physical side of it has now
Douglas Maida (53:09):
Yeah, yeah. And a lot of the tape players are
the science, the nutrition, thetraining, and things like that.
Thailand just produce so manywonderful players. Yes. Virada,
(53:39):
bit older, tells you that hewants to play golf and he wants
Oui Virada (53:47):
Well, hey, if he comes and tells me, Mom, I want
But it has really come from him.
I have obviously I would fullywill be even more difficult. I
(54:13):
think, you know, I for me, theevery every new season. So you
can imagine by the time my sonanyway, it will be really
(54:39):
difficult. But I would tell himyou. To I would tell him nothing
is is forever. You know,having a hard time, tomorrow is
(55:05):
a new day. It's something that Imuch. And I know I hold it, you
know, instead of letting it go,the Buddhist teaching that
(55:28):
nothing is forever, you know,granted that it's going to
always be there. So And lastly,
Douglas Maida (55:56):
Right? Would you will though, introduce them to
Oui Virada (56:00):
Of course, I mean, I've already taken him to the
Douglas Maida (56:05):
Let's have one little playful question here
golf development for Thailand,what would your dream setup be?
Oui Virada (56:24):
so exciting, endless supply of money. I would build a
look out and all I see isconcrete, you know, buildings
(56:53):
some kids may be too young. Sothey, they hit one, they walk,
accommodate that. But it wouldbe nice to have a kids
(57:15):
the time. And because I thinkfor in Thailand right now, it's
learning on the course. Becausethe golf course is for adults,
(57:41):
kids are off school. The caddiesdon't want to just go out for
I think it's hard for young kidslike, you know, five to 10 years
Douglas Maida (58:01):
Wow, that's a fantastic idea. Wonderful
kids involved in the playdatesand
Oui Virada (58:11):
Yeah, but that would have to come with endless amount
Douglas Maida (58:18):
Well, we're at a we're at the end of our show,
Oui Virada (58:22):
Oh, so sad.
Douglas Maida (58:24):
I know. There's so much. I'm so surprised at how
delightful person, and veryinsightful and love your
Oui Virada (58:38):
It's been a really nice break away from my usual
interactions have been a littlebit limited, I must say. So this
Douglas Maida (59:02):
While we're glad we could accommodate and help
fantastic spot right now.
Oui Virada (59:13):
Yes, thank you so much for having me.
Douglas Maida (59:16):
That's going to be our show today, folks. Thank
Amy (Studio) (59:21):
Thank you. You have been listening to our
Sunday, July 10 2022. If youhave an idea for a future show,
(59:42):
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the world of golf.
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