November 7, 2021 • 62 mins
As part of our continuing series focusing on golf around the world, and women's professional golf in particular, this episode looks at the Emergence of Thailand as a rising golf powerhouse.
Joining us in this episode are special guests, Pajaree Anannarukarn and Pinyada Kuvanun.
They chat with us about their year in golf, some of the challenges and accomplishments of this past year, and they discuss their experiences in growing up in Thailand learning to play golf and how their individual paths to the world of professional golf.
Pajaree currently plays on the LPGA, the world's premier tour for women's golf. She is a recent winner of the 2021 ISPS Handa Invitational event - a mixed event with men and women competing on the same course at the same time. The event is hosted by Niall Horan, of One Direction (boy's band) in his native Northern Ireland. At the time of recording Pajaree is ranked No. 71 in the Rolex World Rankings.
Pinyada is a recent graduate from the University of Toledo with a degree in International Business. Competing in Division 1 of the NCAA, Pinyada led her team to the MAC Conference Championships, where she had a personal best of 3rd place. She also won twice at the collegiate level and finished 3rd at the Lady Buckeyes Invitational. She currently competes on the Thai LPGA and competed recently at Stage 2 of Q-School, earning privileges for the Symetra Tour in 2022.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Douglas Maida (00:22):
Hello and good afternoon. I'm Douglas Maida and
welcome to our show we'retalking golf. In today's show,
we will continue our look atWomen's Professional Golf from
around the world, with Thailandbeing today's focus. If you
follow Women's ProfessionalGolf, you will know that the
players from the United Statesand South Korea are some of the
(00:42):
most dominant players on tour.
However, there is a new nationof players that are rising to a
similar standard. And thoseplayers come from Thailand.
Now, some of the early Thaipioneers in women's professional
golf included ViradaNirapathpongpon, she was a
graduate of Duke University andplayed a few years on the LPGA.
(01:06):
Of course, there was also theThai Korean players, Aree and
Naree Song. Now they gave way toa newer generation of players
like Pornanong Phatlum and theJutanugarn sisters -- Moriya and
Ariya, with Ariya becomingThailand's most celebrated
player with 12 LPGA victories,including two major
championships. Now there is ayounger group of players coming
(01:30):
led most notably by PattyTavatanakit, winner of the 2021
ANA Championship and the Rookieof the Year for 2021.
Joining us though today are twoplayers of this younger
generation. They are PajareeAnannarukarn, who was a winner
on the LPGA season earlier thisyear, and Pinyada Kuvanun, an
(01:52):
aspiring professional player. Wewill be discussing their
experiences and becomingprofessional players life on the
LPGA and Thai LPGA. And we willdiscuss the development of elite
players from their homeThailand. Now before we get to
that, we're going to take ashort break for some messages.
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2021 for LPGA golf content. Now,back to our show. Here is your
host Douglas Maida.
Douglas Maida (03:42):
We're back thank you for staying with us. Now
let's get right to our guests.
Pinyada Kuvanun is 25 Shegraduated from the University of
Toledo with a degree inInternational Business. Her best
finishes included winning thebattle at Boulder Creek twice in
2018 and again in 2019. She ledher team in the Mac conference
championships, where she had apersonal best finish of third in
(04:03):
2018. She currently plays on theThai LPGA and she recently
completed Stage Two of the LPGAQ series. Pinyada will be
playing on the Symetra Tour in2022. Pajaree Anannarukarn is
22. And She first joined theLPGA in 2019. She has one win on
tour coming earlier this year atthe ISPS Handa Invitational that
(04:26):
was hosted by Niall Horan inGalgorm Northern Ireland. She is
currently ranked 71st in theRolex world rankings, and she
sits in the 20th spot in the CMERace to the Globe standings. I'd
like to extend a big welcome toboth you Pinyada and to you
Pajaree.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (04:47):
Hi,
Pinyada (04:48):
Yeah Hi. Thank you for having us.
Douglas Maida (04:52):
Yes, our pleasure. Our pleasure. And
thank you Pinyada for joining usfrom Bangkok.
Pinyada (04:57):
Yes, of course.
Douglas Maida (05:00):
And thank you Pajaree. Whereabouts in
Florida are you?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:04):
I'm currently in Tampa, Florida.
Douglas Maida (05:08):
Let's start with the LET and and your most recent
event -- that is your mostrecent event is not the Dubai
Midnight Classic or MoonlightClassic?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:15):
Yes, it is.
Douglas Maida (05:17):
You had a T-4 finish?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:19):
Yeah, it's a great event. It's it's
actually my first time playing anight golf. And was able to see
like, you know, the course in adifferent aspect. Seeing a lot
of you know, like, it's a greatcourse is really was a great
course, you know, surrounded bybeautiful buildings and lights
everywhere. Yeah, it's a greatweek.
Douglas Maida (05:42):
And what did you think of the course and playing
under the lights? Was that thefirst time you played under the
lights?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:47):
Yes, that was my first time playing night
golf. It was a great experience.
I mean, so a little harder for -I feel like it was more diffic
lt to read the green and gettng the speed right. I mean
I tried. It's like, it's a whle new experience for me.
So learning, learning every bitof it. But it's a it's a fun
I mean, obviously a fun eventI really enjoy it. I think,
(06:11):
ou know, it's it's a really god experience for maybe if we w
re able to if we all get to playin the night golf and get a cha
ce to do so it's a gr
Douglas Maida (06:23):
Right. reading those greens must have been
at experiendifficult because I imagine with
the shadows and not being ableto see the line quite right or
the path of the ball. Do yourely on a lot of "feel"?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (06:36):
Oh, yeah.
But yeah, I think it just, Imean, like I said, as it gets
darker, I feel like the grassgrow longer. And this be I mean,
the speed of the greens tends togo a little slower to so harder
to read the green all this andhonestly, I, I think I was doing
it. Well, I mean, good enough.
(07:00):
And I think it's this it'sgreat. And one thing I'm really
proud of -- I didn't shank me.
Douglas Maida (07:07):
I guess that kind of has that effect.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (07:08):
Yeah,
Douglas Maida (07:08):
You've got a little bit of shadows and things
and you're not used to seeingthe golf ball like that.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (07:12):
Yeah. So I'm happy with that.
Douglas Maida (07:16):
Yeah, I could imagine. Well, you're from
Thailand. I was gonna see itgets pretty darn hot in
Thailand. Was the heat anyfactor in Dubai for you?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (07:25):
I think it. I mean, I feel like I really
got used to playing golf in theheat. But I mean, it's still
really warm during the daytimein Dubai. I think that's the
reason why they wanted us toplay the night too. So it's a
Douglas Maida (07:40):
Let me ask you a little bit about your season
good call.
now. It's two events left foryou, on the LPGA Tour, at least
you're playing the Pelican nextweek. And then you have in two
weeks time the CME season endingevent. So how would you describe
your season so far? Or you know,everything you've had for you
(08:02):
this year Pajaree?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (08:04):
Yeah. So far, it's been great. No
complaints at all. It's just, Ireally pleased with how I played
over the years. And I think itjust, I mean, I've learned a lot
over the years well, learningevery week, and you know,
gaining more experience and toget, to be able to get my first
(08:26):
win this year, last summer andto you know, get my first top 10
falling with a couple more top10 finishes. It's just really
just been a really good year.
Douglas Maida (08:39):
And your win, of course in Northern Ireland. What
was it? Did you know who NiallHoran was before in One
Direction?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (08:47):
Yeah, I know, I know who he is. And I
use like, I mean, I was gonnasay I used to, but I'm actually
still like the fan of OneDirection. So it just really
cool that I got to meet him inperson and was able to, take a
photo of him with my first LPGATour Trophy. It was great.
Douglas Maida (09:10):
Was that pretty special then?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (09:12):
It was really well.
Douglas Maida (09:15):
If you follow and like to listen to one direction
Who was your favorite? Did youhave one of the favorite
characters on that . . .In thatband?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (09:23):
Ah, definitely, Niall and Harry
Styles yeah, those are those.
Those are my favorite.
Douglas Maida (09:34):
Okay. Now, how was the experience of playing
with the men at the same time?
Was that kind of a?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (09:40):
Yeah, that was a it's a really it was
a really unique event. We got toplay well. The group was like, I
play we play together with theladies all women, but then the
group behind us or we'll be mensand it's great to see there you
know, we go get to be in thesame infield and was able to see
(10:02):
their shots. sneak a little,like, you know, sneak a peek at
what they're doing. And it'sjust nice. It's a, it's a great,
great event again, really,really unique and a fun event.
Douglas Maida (10:14):
You were pretty busy in that stretch going from
France, to Northern Ireland. Andthen I believe from there you
went to Scotland getting readyfor the Scottish Open and then
the US -- Pardon me, the AIGOpen. How did you like that
travel? Is it? Uh, do you enjoythe travel like that? Or? How
(10:35):
did you adjust?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (10:35):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (10:36):
Any tips for adjusting?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (10:40):
I mean, just go with the flow. No, I
mean, it's just, it's just greatthat it's a new again, it's a
new experience getting on, Itook a ferry to Scotland from
Northern Ireland. So it was a,it was a good experience. Again,
it's something new that I neverdone before. So it's really
(11:01):
great to see, you know, and donesomething new, right? I guess.
And yeah, it's been a it was abusy summer, but I'm just really
enjoying the moment and enjoythe journey got to meet so many
great people and being to manygood, beautiful places in
Europe. So it's, it's great.
Douglas Maida (11:20):
Let me ask you this question. What do you think
the strength of your game isthis year?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (11:27):
I will say I was really pleased with how
like, you know, overall, mygame. And I think my putter
being really hot lately. Sorecently, so it's definitely
helped a lot. My putter; myputting,
Douglas Maida (11:42):
if you were to point to one aspect of your game
as being the strongest overall,would it be your putting? Or
would it be something else?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (11:50):
Ah, that would. . . well, my caddy would
always be like, Oh, always tellme that my bunker game, my
bunker shot would be like thebest and strongest part of my
game. So I think I shouldbelieve him on that.
Douglas Maida (12:05):
Well, that's true. That's true. You did you
so far are still rated numberone on the LPGA Tour for your
bunker play. So that's quitethe accomplishment right there.
But, but playing from the bunkerisn't exactly a big part of
your, I mean, it's an importantpart. But you're not playing
from the bunker on every hole.
So . . .
Pajaree Anannarukarn (12:26):
We all want to be up on the green.
Douglas Maida (12:28):
Right
Pajaree Anannarukarn (12:29):
Right. Oh, yeah.
Right.
Douglas Maida (12:29):
Right, But your bunker
play is excellent. Because it .
. . that's where you're gettingto situations where you're
saving a lot of Pars, you're nottaking extra strokes because of
your strong bunker play. Yeah.
How would you look back and say,the season -- If it was to
finish, say today? Would youhave met your goals for the
(12:51):
season and for the year? And ifnot, what was what would still
be outstanding?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (12:58):
Coming into this year, I made a few
goals for myself, I you know,first off, I just really wanted
to get myself into top 10finish, get a win, and make it
to CME and was able toaccomplish all this goal was
just really, you know, it's agreat feeling again, and I just
(13:21):
you know, after all the hardwork I put in it is paying off.
So I'm really glad it's, it's,it's all worked out good,
Douglas Maida (13:28):
Right now that you've accomplished most of or
if not all of your goals. Haveyou thought about resetting your
goals higher for next year? Orhave you not quite thought about
next year's goals yet?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (13:39):
I honestly, I haven't thought
about the next goal. I mean,next year goal, yet just yet,
because it's still we're stillon this, like, you know, this
season. And I really wanted tofocus on, you know, this year
goals and all what I can do,especially the next two events
and see what I was able toaccomplish more.
Douglas Maida (13:59):
Right. Did you learn a lot from your 2019 year
in order to bring it into theseshortened seasons?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (14:08):
Certainly, yes. Um, I think it's just, you
know, even 2018 or the yearbefore, but definitely playing.
I mean, a lot of you know, I gotinto play in a, LPGA Tour events
more in 2019 after I starteddoing, I mean, after going to
this event through Mondayqualifiers or things like that.
(14:30):
It just touched me so much.
And I think it just what I meaneverything I go through, and
everything I went through, itjust really touched me a lot,
especially all experience on thecourse or playing along with,
you know, best player in I mean,traveling and everything. I
think it's just really importantand it's the key to helping me
(14:52):
to be able to accomplish morethis year.
Douglas Maida (14:55):
So let me ask you this Pajaree, in your LPGA
career, if you could win onlyone more event? What would it
be? Or what would you want it tobe?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (15:10):
Just one?
Douglas Maida (15:11):
Well, I'm not saying that you're only gonna
win one. But um,
Pajaree Anannarukarn (15:13):
Yeah, but um, yeah, it's just, I mean, I
made a lot of goals to myself.
And I think the. . . the goalis, definitely one of them is to
win a major events. Sodefinitely, to win a major event
next would be good. Either USOpen or the Open -- the British
Open.
Douglas Maida (15:36):
Right. Okay. And I'm sure you want to kind of be
like Ariya and win the homeHonda LPGA Thailand event.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (15:47):
Yeah, I look up to Ariya and Moria and
many legends back home a lot.
And I think it is great. Theyinspired me a lot. And to
becoming a professional golferin one day to be able to
representing Thailand andwinning, you know, golf
tournament, especially on theLPGA Tour. And you know, if I
was able to win a tournamentback home, I do hope the Honda
(16:08):
LPGA the opportunity. That wouldbe great, too. So,
Douglas Maida (16:12):
Right. Okay, let me ask you something on a little
bit of a lighter scale here.
What is the scariest or weirdestthing about playing golf on the
LPGA? Have you had oneexperience or something? Or is
there something that continuallyhappens on a regular basis that
you just are apprehensive about?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (16:33):
A very difficult question, I guess. The
scariest, I think is just. .
.just what I've, I mean, what Ican think of now is just maybe
being on a clock with a rulesofficial, and on a tour, and you
really have to be aware of yourpace of play. And I think the
(16:54):
scare is is just you know, theFine. The Fine is just no joke
at all. So you got to be awareof your pace of play and came up
with a group in front of us. Imean, have in front of you.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (17:11):
Let's switch gears a little bit here,
Pinyada. Thank you for yourpatience. So how would you
describe your 2021 season?
Pinyada (17:19):
So I will say that I am happy with how my season go this
year. I start this year playingin Thailand in the Thai LPGA.
And the the other Thai tour. Sothey have like the mix tour that
(17:42):
we play both men and women inthe same tournament. So yeah,
beginning beginning of the year,I started playing Thailand. And
then and then in the middle, inthe middle of the year, I went
to the U.S. and then played theWAPT. Yeah. And, and I mean, so
(18:07):
I got several top, top 10s thisyear, either on the WAPT and the
Thai LPGA tour this year. So Imean that I'm going to play in
the US as professional at my asmy very first time playing
professional outside of thecountry.
(18:30):
So I think it's improved myselfa lot with how, how I am
thinking, during tournament, orduring, like under pressure.
(18:51):
Because when I play in the WAPT.
I carry my own bag by myself andthen I do everything by myself.
And then I I have to make my ownplan. I have to be organized
with the travel plan with thehotel and the flight booking and
(19:13):
everything. So this is my veryfirst time doing this stuff. And
then I think that helped me toimprove myself to be like to be
better and smarter. And like Isaid that it changed. It helped
me improve my thinking when Iplay outside of the country.
(19:35):
Like if I play inside thecountry, I might not be like me,
I might not be like very, playlike aggressive or, like, more
challenging if I only playinside of Thailand because
(19:55):
sometimes I just like go maybeI'm too relax here when I play
here, but when I go there, so Ihave to like, be more
aggressive, and more focused andconcentrate with my game. And
that's how I feel like my game,my game has improved from, yeah,
(20:16):
this year experience
Douglas Maida (20:22):
On a scale of One to Five, where would you rate
your season? One, being not asgood Five being absolutely
fantastic. Where would you,Where would you place yourself
on that?
Pinyada (20:37):
So I would give myself score of Four out of Five. Um, I
didn't mean that. I didn't meanabout how I perform overall, but
I give myself four because how Isatisfied with myself with how I
(20:59):
execute, and how I thinkingduring the tournament round, I
feel like I have gain moreconfident and experience on a
course. Because I play in the,like, different environment and
(21:27):
sort of circumstance. So it's soI will say, Yeah, I have learned
a lot from playing those eventoutside of the country. And
overall, I I feel very good withhow I managed my mental game and
(21:53):
drinking inside the course.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (21:56):
You just completed Stage Two a little
while ago. Now that you've hadsome time to think about it and
reflect how would you describeyour play at the event and what
are some of the biggest lessonsyou can take away from from Q
Series?
Pinyada (22:13):
Of course, I will say that playing the QC Q School
Stage Two some, I mean a lot ofplayer would definitely play
under pressure and they wouldget nervous of course, right.
Because we trying to like makeit through the Q Series. But
(22:35):
yeah, so I will say that this ismy very first time playing under
like these much pressure.
Because like we, we all want tomake it through. But then. So I
learned how to handle thepressure like to in order to be
in the higher level. But then Ialso learned that sometime it
(23:02):
might not work every time whenyou play but but I always keep
fighting and to the in theenlight and to the final round,
and always been that. Alwayskeep it through until you finish
(23:22):
and then be proud of myself.
Whatever score that I shoot. Sojust trying to keep fighting.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (23:35):
Some important lessons as you learn and play
along, go along the way. Whatwould you describe your biggest
highlight for 2021 SeasonPinyada?
Pinyada (23:45):
Yeah, I will say the Q School Stage One because I been
prepare for this for like for awhile this year. I went to play
in the state in the middle ofthe year to play the WAPT which
would have like helped meprepare for this event, which is
(24:11):
important for me. Right. Andthen I able to finish with the
coup score at Stage, Stage One.
I know I know that before Iplayed the Q School Stage One, I
feel so much pressure withinmyself because I want to I want
to make it I want to make itthrough because I travel all the
(24:34):
way from Thailand right, fromthe other side of the world just
to do this. So my playing theFirst Stage and how it's turned
out. I feel like I'm proud ofmyself. Like so much this year
with this, this performance thatI already trying to make it
(25:04):
happen. And then, even thoughthat I didn't make it through Q
Series, but I am proud of myselfthat I able to finish with good
score at Stage One this year.
Douglas Maida (25:19):
Right. And that's a big accomplishment and you've
secured playing status for theSymetra Tour for next year.
Pinyada (25:26):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (25:27):
Great. Let's take a short break. And when we come
back, we're going to chat alittle bit about Thailand as a
golf as a Golf country and thedevelopment of elite players in
Thailand and how you think thegame can continue to grow and
expand in Thailand. We'll beback in a moment.
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Douglas Maida (27:04):
We're back. Thank you for staying with us. Right
now we're going to move into ourfinal half of the show. And
we're going to chat a little bitabout Thailand, and elite
players from Thailand and thedevelopment of the game. And in
particular, women's professionalgolf, and elite golf in
Thailand. So over the pastseveral years, there's been a, a
(27:26):
jump or an increase in thenumber of type players joining
the LPGA and competing quitesuccessfully. Why don't we kick
it off with Pinyada, and thenI'll ask Pajaree for her, her
thoughts on it. But how wouldyou explain this?
Pinyada (27:38):
So yeah, I saw a lot of Thai, like junior player, they,
they like they play more golf,and they interest more in golf,
because they they see thatadvertise other Thai like top of
(27:59):
the Thai player they can successsuccess in the LPGA. So I
believe that help the younggeneration want to be like them.
And it make them believe thatthis can be happening. And
(28:19):
because they prove that we as aThai player, we can do this. So
So yeah, so and I believe thatin the future, they will be more
of the Thai player playing onthe LPGA Tour? For sure.
Douglas Maida (28:34):
And how about you Pajaree, how would you explain
the growth of competitiveplayers from Thailand?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (28:43):
Yeah, I mean, I think it's a good sign
for Thai golfing world that wenow get to see more players on
on the tour and see more peopleget involved in golf and it's
just good to see you know, thenew generations even you know,
the junior golfers back homestarted you know, enjoying the
(29:04):
game in wanting to beprofessional golfers and want to
play on the other stage or it'sjust great to see them because
it's you know, it's a sportwhere we all really enjoyed
doing it. It's it's good everyyou know if we can still
continue to grow in the game
Douglas Maida (29:21):
As someone Who's played in the Honda LPGA
Thailand event. Let's start withyou on this. How important do
you think that event has been toimproving golf in Thailand and
helping increase interest?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (29:33):
I think Honda LPGA classic plays a role
like a big role in the golfingworld because there's a junior
golfers there are a lot ofjunior golfers and people back
home who are able to go watchthe best players in person and
you know, I feel like for justwatching them play and walking
(29:58):
but you know, aside you know onthe Of course, alongside with
anything, even there's a clinicor junior clinics in whatever,
anything that in the tournament,they really help growing the
game just because you know,junior golfers are likely to,
you know, to get to be able toget to know more players and
(30:18):
even to be able to learn fromtheir games on a tournament
days. And I was one of them whoI really looking forward to, you
know, every year of Honda LPGAThailand I was able to go there.
And you know, watch the prosplay Ariya and Moria or any
other players play there beforeyou know it just like, I
(30:39):
remember watching them play whenI was little. So I think it's
just something that reallyinspired me a lot. So I think it
just really inspired too many ofthe junior golfers as well.
Douglas Maida (30:50):
Just as an aside, how did you get into golf? What
would interested you? And howdid you take up the game? And
who introduced you to it?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (30:59):
Yeah, um, I used to play tennis, my
family, my dad, especially mydad, who really, I have a
sister. Sorry. So let's startagain. So my, I have a sister an
older sister that we both reallyliked to I guess we like to play
sport, or I don't know, I don'treally remember. But my dad was
(31:21):
the one who got us into golf. Wewere playing tennis before. And
then we switched to golf rightafter, when my dad and my mom
started playing.
Douglas Maida (31:31):
And that was on a recreational basis.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (31:33):
Yeah, I guess it's just like we, my dad
feel like we could spend moretime outdoors doing some
activities. And he wants us to,to get more involved in sport.
So he put us into tennis first.
And then we realized we likegolf more. So we switched to
golf. And yeah, it's it's been agreat journey so far.
Douglas Maida (31:56):
How did you learn the game? I mean, did you
eventually go to a coach andthey put you in lessons? Or was
it something you just kind oflearned on your own?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (32:04):
Yeah, so my dad, so I got to see a coach
growing up, his name is Nicky.
And I think I really had a goodtime. I mean, I had a really
good time. Just you know,because he taught me not just
the basic of golf, but alsoloving the game more enjoying
the game, you know, andespecially that I got to, you
(32:28):
know, play golf with then madenew friends. And I don't know,
just a lot of things that I'velearned from him social golf is
like socials, you know, sociallysport, like it's their social
sport. That, you know, we made alot of new friends from it, we
hang out with friends, and it'sjust a lot of things that we can
(32:48):
do.
Douglas Maida (32:51):
Right. So, did you want to do a big shout out
to your first coach? I mean, hisname is he's still coaching in
Thailand.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (33:01):
I don't think so, I'm sorry. He used to
be like, I think maybe he didstill like we didn't really I
didn't ask him like directly,but he's, he seems like he's
doing fine. And yeah, he's oneof my very first coach. And he
touched me so much that I'mreally thankful for He taught
me. I think the important thingthat he taught me that I
(33:23):
realized is the love for thesport. I really, you know, enjoy
doing what I'm doing right now.
And I'm glad I wasn't, You know,I wasn't forced to do it. I, I
enjoy doing it.
Douglas Maida (33:37):
And how about you Pinyada? How did you get into
golf? And who introduced you tothe sport? And and how did you
get into a program fordeveloping your skills?
Pinyada (33:46):
Yes. So I first picked up the golf club when I was
like, I think maybe six yearsold, because of my mum and dad,
they, they back then they loveto play golf as their sport and
activity. And then i first pickup the golf club, and then I
(34:09):
feel like oh, it's fun. And thenbut I . . . but back at that
time, I did not like play itserious. But, but then we open
our own driving range back in myhometown khonkaen. Yeah. So that
how I start playing seriousgolf. And then I actually got
(34:34):
into the the sport team inprimary school, and that how I
like, play more serious golf ata time and then I and then I,
like I perform well. And then Igot I think I got second at my
(34:54):
very first competition. And thenI feel like I want to do more. I
want To achieve more, and thenthat's how i i decided to
develop myself and then do moreserious golf. Until now, yeah.
Douglas Maida (35:15):
Did you have any coaches, or take any
professional instruction as youwere growing up?
Pinyada (35:21):
At my, at my very first time. Um, so my first coach
would be my mom and dad, my veryfirst coach. But then I actually
have a coach that coached me,but it's kind of like, not
randomly, like, I don't have,like one coach coaching me. But
(35:45):
like when I I met some of thecoaches that I asked, like, for
some advice, but I mean, I didnot stay with one coach for a
long time, but like, I actuallydon't really remember because
back then I was like, on my ownwith my mom and dad, and then
(36:07):
and then when I grew up, then Itried to try to see what work,
worked out for me the best.
Right? So back then. So my coachback then he stopped, like
coaching now, so he just like,disappear.
Douglas Maida (36:31):
Okay, was there a certain point growing up where
you decided that, hey, I reallyliked this. I want to start
developing my skills to become acompetitive player. Was there a
certain point or an event orsomething that happened, Panetta
that said, you wanted to do thator made you think that you
wanted to do that?
Pinyada (36:53):
Yeah, like I said, that. So I feel like I love to
play golf soon. I was like,nine, like I say, because I when
I first play when I first playedin the competition, and then I
feel like I really love thefeeling when I play and then I
got the trophy. And then I tryto practice harder, play harder.
(37:19):
And, and even though sometimes,so you don't win every time,
right. But I love the feelingwhen I play golf, because I
think it's the best thing I cando in my life. Compared to doing
other things, I think playinggolf would be my best choice to
(37:41):
pick as my career. Because Ilove it and then i, i live live
with it. Like since I was nine,so like, so many years ago, and
I feel like I love golf. Andtill now. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (38:04):
Okay, so it's safe to say then you first
picked up a club when you wereabout what, six years old?
Pinyada (38:10):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (38:11):
And then by the time you were nine, you already
figured out. I liked thisenough. I want to
Pinyada (38:16):
Yeah,
Douglas Maida (38:16):
I want to keep winning trophies. I want to get
more more into golf.
Pinyada (38:19):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (38:20):
Yeah. Okay. When you were growing up, did you
have a mentor or anybody thatyou looked up to in golf?
Pinyada (38:30):
When I was young, right.
Douglas Maida (38:33):
When you were younger. Um,
Pinyada (38:35):
So back then. Michelle Wie was the most famous golfer
back then when it was young.
Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer.
And, yeah, Tiger Woods. I mean,we look up on them, and then we,
we want to be like them. Butwhen I grew up, when I went to
(38:58):
the college golf, I have. I lookup on Alison Lee. Because she,
she also she also went to thecollege golf and then she can
do, can achieve in herprofessional career and also in
the in the school as well. So Ithink that she really smart that
(39:19):
she can do both thing at thesame time. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (39:23):
Tiger Woods. He's quite popular in Thailand. His
mother's from Thailand.
Pinyada (39:28):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (39:29):
Is that well known in Thailand?
Pinyada (39:31):
Yeah of course.
Douglas Maida (39:34):
How about you Pajaree? Did you have something
that made you think that -- hey,I want to start playing
competitive golf. I just don'twant to go out and play. I want
to actually start getting betterthan everybody else. Anything
like that happened for you?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (39:52):
I remember that was happening about a year
after I started playing. So I Istarted playing at the age of
eight and a half. And I was, youknow, started, like going to the
range one or twice a week doingjust an hour lesson until like,
(40:13):
my coach couldn't put me in,sorry, until my coach put me
into the charity event. Andthat's how it like, that's like
the very first time I got intothe big field and the tournament
kind of feel. And I enjoy it.
And I feel like I mean, I thinkI even got a trophy for the
charity events came like secondworst. So it was a great, but it
(40:36):
was a great day. I remember justbeing out there playing friends
and feel a bit of competitive.
So right after that day, I toldmy dad, okay, Dad, I want to
play in real Junior Golf, and Iwant to play more golf, like I
(40:57):
want to play golf moreseriously. And he said, then you
have to practice more. You hadto spend time more on the range.
You have to, you know, bedisciplined. And I think that's
just how I started. I'm like,Yeah, I'm down for it. Like, I
want to do this. And that's likeabout nine years old nine of
age, nine and a half startedplaying a junior golf. And I
(41:18):
fell in love.
Douglas Maida (41:20):
So nine and a half you knew you also wanted to
try and become an elite player,professional player. Who did you
have any mentors when you weregrowing up? Or who you looked at
as players or things like that?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (41:30):
I look up to many golfers of course, I
wouldn't like like Pinya,Pinyada just mentioned earlier
that their Michelle Wie andPaula Creamer been really
popular, famous golfers backthen. And but yeah, I really
looked up to like a lot ofladies in Thailand, Ariya and
Moriya., Waen Pornanong,they've been a really good I
(41:54):
mean, great model, like, youknow, I really look up to them,
seeing them accomplish a lot ofyou know, things since they're
young and be able to representin Thailand, that's just like
another goal for me, being ableto be on a national team playing
for the country, and, you know,playing golf as a professional
(42:18):
and as my career.
Douglas Maida (42:20):
What about Tiger Woods in your, you know, you're
a couple of years younger thanPinyada. So was Tiger Woods much
of an influence at all, whenyou're growing up.
Pajaree Anannarukar (42:28):
Definitely, Yes, yeah, we heard a lot about
Tiger Woods back when we werelittle as well. He's always been
a phenomenal golfer, like, youknow, greatest of all time. And
as for me, I think it's justsomething that inspired all of
us to and, you know, to be ableto me know that he's actually
(42:50):
half Thai. So it's just likesomething that we're like, oh,
maybe we can do it, maybe we canone day be like him, you know,
it's, it's something that reallyinspires us.
Douglas Maida (42:59):
Let me ask you this, if you have somebody come
up to you, and ask you, whetherit be a parent or a child, and
they see Pajaree say, on thepractice range, you know, not
for an event, but just you know,practicing and a parent or child
comes to you and says that thehave an idea that they want to
(43:22):
continue or, or develop and playprofessional golf? What kind of
advice would you share withthem?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (43:29):
Very good question. Yes, I would
definitely tell them and tellingthe kid and the kids or the
girls or a boy that are even theparents that they should have a
really like they should setyourself a goal. And that you
can stick to it and work hardfor it and never give up because
(43:52):
there will be those, you know,ups and downs on the along the
journey. And I think that's justwhat you really have to remember
that sometimes things don't goas planned. So just really keep
your chin up. And maybe they'redon't they won't understand it.
But I think we all will maybeyou know, experienced that some
(44:16):
time in our life. So justreally, really enjoyed the game.
And don't forget that becauseonce were like really intense
and really try trying hard. Itjust, you know, bring up the
fun. Like we forget all that funthing. So just remember,
remember to enjoy the game.
Stick to your goal and do yourbest and the most important
thing is to believe in yourselftoo.
Douglas Maida (44:40):
Right? How about you Pinyada if somebody was to
approach you in a similarcircumstance, whether it be a
parent or a child and say, hey,you know, I'm thinking of
wanting to become a professionalplayer as well what kind of
words of wisdom or advice wouldyou give them?
Pinyada (44:56):
So for me, my advice would be there's a . . . a lot
of the professional events outthere for, for the young player,
either girls or boys to, tocompete with the professional
player, especially in Thailandwhich I, I saw a lot that we
(45:21):
have so many like compete for amajor to be able to compete in
the higher level with theprofessional player. So, I think
so, today, we have more, theyhave more chance and opportunity
(45:42):
to, to see how the professionalplayer play on the course. So
they can learn and gain moreexperience more even faster. I
mean, now now's a day becauseeverything's open more for
younger generation and they cansee more on the TV or on social
(46:05):
media. So they can inspire byseeing the top player and they
can also do it by playingagainst the pro player. So, so
they can be more prepared to beprofessional player in the
(46:28):
future. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (46:31):
How important was it to you to have those kinds of
events happening? I mean, was ita big part of your development
as a player,
Pinyada (46:38):
Um, of course, because we get to play different
situation and we have we get toplay like compete more and then
gain more experience everysingle time when we play on the
course, right? And then andthen every day everybody improve
(46:58):
themselves, you will never stopand then so you have to be
better and better every day, youeither your performance or how
you think or your mental gameand everything you have to
improve everything, physical,physical, and nutrition and
everything with the golf gamewith the swing ,with the speed,
(47:23):
with the game plan, yeah,everything.
Douglas Maida (47:28):
If you could make a suggestion or recommendation
on what you would like to seehappen, or say you were the head
of golf in Thailand and andmoney wasn't an object What
would you like to see happen toimprove golf in Thailand for
junior and elite players?
Pinyada (47:48):
So, from from my personal perspective, I think
that from my experience, when Iwent to college, golf in the
States, I feel like that,because if they get to come and
play in the States, even thoughyou just a college player, but
(48:08):
you gain a lot of perspective,you gain a lot of experience and
you, you can be, you can becomemore smarter, because you stay
on your own rather than staywith your parents back in
Thailand, right. So, when youwhen you come here and play golf
(48:29):
and do school at the same time,of course, it will be tough,
but, but that will help you tobe better as a person and also
with the golf game, because herein the States we, they are so
(48:49):
competitive and so, so many topplayer around the world, they
they also play college golf andthen so they can see how how the
top of the players play and thenthey can see and then that can
inspire them to be a bettergolfer like like, Iike I do when
(49:15):
back in college, so yeah, so Iwill say that. I mean everybody
has their own path but for mepersonally I will say that to be
able to come play college golfhere helped me prepare will to
(49:36):
be able to compete outside ofthe country without nervous. I
mean I still have some nervousof course but I gain more
confidence from like, stayoutside of the country with the
game will end with theorganization and everything
(49:56):
because you have to doeverything like you are an adult
Douglas Maida (50:00):
How about you Pajaree? If you were able to
make any recommendation orsuggestion on how to improve
golf in Thailand for both thejunior and elite players, what
would you suggest? What wouldyou like to see happen?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (50:15):
I think there's three things that I am
seeing right now. So First oneis to have a really good
practice facility for either,for all junior golfers. And, of
course, because I mean, Iwouldn't say that there's not
enough golfers I mean, notenough golf courses in time, but
there, there should be more ofthe, you know, full practice
(50:38):
facility. Because, if that's isbecause, since I'm here in a
States, and I've seen a lot ofgolf courses, that has a lot of
good practice facility, and alot of junior golfers can come
on and practice that, assomething that really good for
them to be able to, you know,come out here and in practice,
and have good course, and, youknow, full chipping green, where
(51:00):
they can all play and practicerange golfballs. And putting
green with a good speed and nicegrass is just something that I
think, if we can add that to ourgolf world, and I think that's
gonna help our junior golf a lotwith their development.
And the Second thing is to, tohave like a really good coach. I
(51:25):
mean, we all have, we started tosee more coaches now in
Thailand, which is really,really good. And it's, you know,
to, to have them theopportunities to be able to see,
like, you know, all the coaches,good coaches, where they have
experience and where they know,how to, you know, to, to be with
(51:48):
the kids are with the juniorsare sharing the experience and
teaching them the right golf,that's really important for
their future, as well as themental coach, which is really
important to the game of golf aswell. I think that's can be very
helpful, if they can, you know,learn more about mental game,
because that one point, that'sgonna be a really a really,
(52:10):
really important key.
And last, but not least, Ithink, to be able to, you know,
the thing just, some kids don'treally, I mean, I wouldn't say
it's a, some kids doesn't havethe, they don't really have
enough opportunity to get to,you know, to each of the events
(52:31):
or the tournament where theywant it to, because they're
likely to sponsor it or support,you know, support. I mean, it's
just like, their parents arereally, really interested for
the kids. But sometimes wedon't, we all don't get that we
know enough. And I think if allof the companies or any
(52:52):
sponsorship that can help, youknow, with the development and
golf, free world back inThailand, help them with the,
you know, the facility or thetournament, or anything that can
do to help them, you know,improve their game and support
it in any possible way. I thinkthat's gonna help growing the
(53:14):
game of golf for the nextgenerations, for sure.
Douglas Maida (53:18):
So if I could sum that up to make sure I got your
points correctly, one would bebetter practice facilities, and
increasing the number ofpractice facilities in Thailand.
Better coaching, through bettercoaching and more coaching
throughout Thailand, includingnot just golf, but also with
aspects like fitness, trainingand mental coaching and things.
(53:42):
Well, that was Pinyada's pointtoo, about having, you know, all
those aspects to it. And thenthirdly, would be opportunities.
So, you know, throughsponsorship or other types of
opportunities? No, would thatinclude something like Junior
programs that if juniors andtheir families can't really
afford to pay the big green feesand things like that they have
(54:04):
really affordable rates forjuniors to play?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (54:08):
Yeah, that could be, Yeah, that could
bring that up for sure. Orthings like sponsorship, not,
the scholarship as well for them
Douglas Maida (54:15):
Oh, Scholarship.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (54:16):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (54:18):
Let me ask you this. You both played Thai LPGA.
How important is the Thai LPGAto helping you develop as
players so that you can makethat next step see into the
Symetra and or LPGA.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (54:32):
For me, I would say I was really fortunate
to be able to play on theThaiLPGA Tour since I was on a
national team. I went to firstmy first appearance was like 14
years old. So it was I I wassaved by the time I was playing
there. I think I was too young,but then I was able to learn a
(54:52):
lot from just you know, playalongside with them, learning
the type of shots where I never,see still haven't figured out
how to do that. Yeah. So it's agreat learning experience and
helping me grow like, so muchnot just, you know, as well as,
you know, the template, like themental game, how they're like,
(55:13):
stay really calm during theround or anything like that. I
think it's just really helped mygame a lot by playing with them.
Douglas Maida (55:20):
So getting to play a lot of competitive golf
that,
Pajaree Anannarukarn (55:23):
Especially on a Yeah, on that level, like
professional level, they get tosee that a lot more.
Douglas Maida (55:29):
How about you Pinyada? Would you have similar
thoughts? Or would you kind ofagree with that aspect?
Pinyada (55:35):
Yes, of course, like, like Pajaree say about. So,
about the Thai LPGA event. So,yeah, so we get, we got to play
in those kinds of events. Soit's prep, as well, like, well
enough to be able to competeoutside of the country, because
(55:58):
without the Thai, Thai LPGATour, we couldn't experience the
professional level and, andtoday, we, we are more like,
competitive now in the field. Soit's become more competitive and
(56:18):
more challenging. Every, everyday.
Douglas Maida (56:23):
Pajaree you mentioned sponsorship? How
important is it been to you? Imean, as a professional player,
I mean, you look like you'reready to go to the course, you
have some you know, I noticed alot of the Thai players have SCG
is one of their sponsors, howimportant is sponsorship and you
know, is there certain sponsorsin your career that you'd like
(56:43):
to thank or you know, think thatsome special recognition for
Pajaree Anannarukarn (56:47):
Yeah, just I'm really thankful for the
opportunities that I've receivedover the past years and for the
continued support for mysponsor, thank you for believing
me. And the very first you know,time like you know, it's a long
it's a long journey for me andstill a lot more to learn and
(57:07):
the important for the for thesponsorship for especially us as
the players there's a lot ofspins there's a lot of expenses
and travel expenses and anythingthat we can you know, if I
believe there's a lot of golfersout there who have a really good
potential that maybe lack of theopportunities so if there's any
(57:27):
you know, sponsorship or supportfor them, I would think that
there would be a lot moregolfers, great golfers out on a
tour or even more you know,seems to be appear more on the
golfing world.
Douglas Maida (57:42):
How about you Pinyada, is there anybody you'd
like to thank or any for theirsupport and helping you in
developing as a player andgetting to a professional ranks?
Pinyada (57:52):
Yes, of course. First of all, I would like to say
thank you to my family, mom anddad that always supporting me
and believing in me and thenpush, push me through all the
tough condition situation until,until today. And I also want to
(58:12):
thank you to my sponsorshipSingha Corporation, which
support me is in I was like 13years old. I believe that was a
long time ago and they continuesupporting me until now. So
thank you. I would like to thankyou them for always supporting
(58:34):
and believing in me all thetime. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (58:41):
As we start to wrap up, Pinyada what's next for
you? Are you going to be playingsome . . . Is the Thai LPGA
season finished for the year orwill you be playing in any
anything over the next fewmonths? Or? Or will you just
come back to the United Statesplay some WAPT events and
prepare for Symetra Tour?
Pinyada (59:01):
Um, we still have a few events left for the Thai LPGA.
So we have two tournament leftuntil the end of this season so
I will get to play. I believethat I will get to play both of
them. Yeah, but the next eventfor the Thai LPGA will be next
week. And then I also gonna playin the other Thai Tour which is
(59:26):
the Trust Golf Tour, which theymix men and women together and
then we play against each other.
So it will be in the next twoweeks and then and then the last
for the Thai LPGA will beDecember 1, which will be the
last one, yeah, for thisseason.
Douglas Maida (59:49):
And how about you Pajaree obviously, you have the
Pelican coming up next week andthen CME and a couple of weeks
after that. Anything else foryou in between or what will you
be doing to prepare?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:00:01):
So now is.
So today is Saturday. So we gota few more days until the week
begins. So Pelican and the CMEwill be my last two events of
the season, and then I will headback to Thailand during my
offseason, get to see my familyback home for a few. I would say
I've spent like a month and twoweeks before getting ready for
(02:00:22):
the first event of the year.
Next year.
Douglas Maida (02:00:26):
Do you know what your first event of the year is
going to be?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:00:28):
I'll have you planned the Diamond Resort
events, Tournament of Championsand then Gainbridge event the
following week.
Douglas Maida (02:00:36):
Okay, is there any last words you'd like to
share or anything else, you. . .
?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:00:40):
I think it's, it's good, and thank you
for having us again. We reallyenjoyed talking with you and
catch up with, you know, thegolfing world.
Pinyada (02:00:53):
Yeah, thank you so much for having us today.
Douglas Maida (02:00:58):
Thank you, Pinyada, a really big thank you
to both of you for taking timeout of your schedule. And you
especially Pinyada I mean,you're back now in Thailand. So
you're joining us, it's probablyafter one o'clock in the morning
there. So a little bit of a busytime for you. We appreciate it.
Pinyada (02:01:15):
Yeah, my pleasure.
Douglas Maida (02:01:17):
Okay. Pajaree, Thank you kindly for joining us.
I know you're preparing forpelican. So we appreciate you
taking the time out of your busyschedule and taking the time to
be with us today.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:01:30):
Thank you so much to you, too.
Douglas Maida (02:01:33):
All right. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, that
brings us to the end of ourshow. Thank you kindly for
listening in with us downloadingour show and whatnot. Because
without the support of us, ouraudience, we wouldn't be able to
produce shows like this. Sothank you very much. Have a
great day. And remember, ifyou're out there playing golf,
try to keep that ball in theshort grass.
Amy (Studio) (02:01:53):
You have been listening to our podcast show.
We're talking golf produced bythe world of golf. This episode
was recorded on Saturday,November 6 2021. If you have an
idea for a future show, pleasesend us an email to
info@worldofgolf.org. Pleaseinclude "podcast show" in the
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the world of golf.
(02:02:17):
Thank you for joining us
Hello and good afternoon. I'm Douglas Maida and
welcome to our show we'retalking golf. In today's show,
we will continue our look atWomen's Professional Golf from
around the world, with Thailandbeing today's focus. If you
follow Women's ProfessionalGolf, you will know that the
players from the United Statesand South Korea are some of the
(00:42):
most dominant players on tour.
However, there is a new nationof players that are rising to a
similar standard. And thoseplayers come from Thailand.
Now, some of the early Thaipioneers in women's professional
golf included ViradaNirapathpongpon, she was a
graduate of Duke University andplayed a few years on the LPGA.
(01:06):
Of course, there was also theThai Korean players, Aree and
Naree Song. Now they gave way toa newer generation of players
like Pornanong Phatlum and theJutanugarn sisters -- Moriya and
Ariya, with Ariya becomingThailand's most celebrated
player with 12 LPGA victories,including two major
championships. Now there is ayounger group of players coming
(01:30):
led most notably by PattyTavatanakit, winner of the 2021
ANA Championship and the Rookieof the Year for 2021.
Joining us though today are twoplayers of this younger
generation. They are PajareeAnannarukarn, who was a winner
on the LPGA season earlier thisyear, and Pinyada Kuvanun, an
(01:52):
aspiring professional player. Wewill be discussing their
experiences and becomingprofessional players life on the
LPGA and Thai LPGA. And we willdiscuss the development of elite
players from their homeThailand. Now before we get to
that, we're going to take ashort break for some messages.
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Today's show is being recorded from our studio
in beautiful Vancouver, BritishColumbia. We are produced by the
World of Golf. And you can findus on the worldwide web at
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(03:21):
you in Asia and elsewhere. Youcan also find us on Weibo and We
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been recognized as one of thetop 40 podcasts to follow in
2021 for LPGA golf content. Now,back to our show. Here is your
host Douglas Maida.
Douglas Maida (03:42):
We're back thank you for staying with us. Now
let's get right to our guests.
Pinyada Kuvanun is 25 Shegraduated from the University of
Toledo with a degree inInternational Business. Her best
finishes included winning thebattle at Boulder Creek twice in
2018 and again in 2019. She ledher team in the Mac conference
championships, where she had apersonal best finish of third in
(04:03):
2018. She currently plays on theThai LPGA and she recently
completed Stage Two of the LPGAQ series. Pinyada will be
playing on the Symetra Tour in2022. Pajaree Anannarukarn is
22. And She first joined theLPGA in 2019. She has one win on
tour coming earlier this year atthe ISPS Handa Invitational that
(04:26):
was hosted by Niall Horan inGalgorm Northern Ireland. She is
currently ranked 71st in theRolex world rankings, and she
sits in the 20th spot in the CMERace to the Globe standings. I'd
like to extend a big welcome toboth you Pinyada and to you
Pajaree.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (04:47):
Hi,
Pinyada (04:48):
Yeah Hi. Thank you for having us.
Douglas Maida (04:52):
Yes, our pleasure. Our pleasure. And
thank you Pinyada for joining usfrom Bangkok.
Pinyada (04:57):
Yes, of course.
Douglas Maida (05:00):
And thank you Pajaree. Whereabouts in
Florida are you?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:04):
I'm currently in Tampa, Florida.
Douglas Maida (05:08):
Let's start with the LET and and your most recent
event -- that is your mostrecent event is not the Dubai
Midnight Classic or MoonlightClassic?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:15):
Yes, it is.
Douglas Maida (05:17):
You had a T-4 finish?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:19):
Yeah, it's a great event. It's it's
actually my first time playing anight golf. And was able to see
like, you know, the course in adifferent aspect. Seeing a lot
of you know, like, it's a greatcourse is really was a great
course, you know, surrounded bybeautiful buildings and lights
everywhere. Yeah, it's a greatweek.
Douglas Maida (05:42):
And what did you think of the course and playing
under the lights? Was that thefirst time you played under the
lights?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (05:47):
Yes, that was my first time playing night
golf. It was a great experience.
I mean, so a little harder for -I feel like it was more diffic
lt to read the green and gettng the speed right. I mean
I tried. It's like, it's a whle new experience for me.
So learning, learning every bitof it. But it's a it's a fun
I mean, obviously a fun eventI really enjoy it. I think,
(06:11):
ou know, it's it's a really god experience for maybe if we w
re able to if we all get to playin the night golf and get a cha
ce to do so it's a gr
Douglas Maida (06:23):
Right. reading those greens must have been
at experiendifficult because I imagine with
the shadows and not being ableto see the line quite right or
the path of the ball. Do yourely on a lot of "feel"?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (06:36):
Oh, yeah.
But yeah, I think it just, Imean, like I said, as it gets
darker, I feel like the grassgrow longer. And this be I mean,
the speed of the greens tends togo a little slower to so harder
to read the green all this andhonestly, I, I think I was doing
it. Well, I mean, good enough.
(07:00):
And I think it's this it'sgreat. And one thing I'm really
proud of -- I didn't shank me.
Douglas Maida (07:07):
I guess that kind of has that effect.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (07:08):
Yeah,
Douglas Maida (07:08):
You've got a little bit of shadows and things
and you're not used to seeingthe golf ball like that.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (07:12):
Yeah. So I'm happy with that.
Douglas Maida (07:16):
Yeah, I could imagine. Well, you're from
Thailand. I was gonna see itgets pretty darn hot in
Thailand. Was the heat anyfactor in Dubai for you?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (07:25):
I think it. I mean, I feel like I really
got used to playing golf in theheat. But I mean, it's still
really warm during the daytimein Dubai. I think that's the
reason why they wanted us toplay the night too. So it's a
Douglas Maida (07:40):
Let me ask you a little bit about your season
good call.
now. It's two events left foryou, on the LPGA Tour, at least
you're playing the Pelican nextweek. And then you have in two
weeks time the CME season endingevent. So how would you describe
your season so far? Or you know,everything you've had for you
(08:02):
this year Pajaree?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (08:04):
Yeah. So far, it's been great. No
complaints at all. It's just, Ireally pleased with how I played
over the years. And I think itjust, I mean, I've learned a lot
over the years well, learningevery week, and you know,
gaining more experience and toget, to be able to get my first
(08:26):
win this year, last summer andto you know, get my first top 10
falling with a couple more top10 finishes. It's just really
just been a really good year.
Douglas Maida (08:39):
And your win, of course in Northern Ireland. What
was it? Did you know who NiallHoran was before in One
Direction?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (08:47):
Yeah, I know, I know who he is. And I
use like, I mean, I was gonnasay I used to, but I'm actually
still like the fan of OneDirection. So it just really
cool that I got to meet him inperson and was able to, take a
photo of him with my first LPGATour Trophy. It was great.
Douglas Maida (09:10):
Was that pretty special then?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (09:12):
It was really well.
Douglas Maida (09:15):
If you follow and like to listen to one direction
Who was your favorite? Did youhave one of the favorite
characters on that . . .In thatband?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (09:23):
Ah, definitely, Niall and Harry
Styles yeah, those are those.
Those are my favorite.
Douglas Maida (09:34):
Okay. Now, how was the experience of playing
with the men at the same time?
Was that kind of a?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (09:40):
Yeah, that was a it's a really it was
a really unique event. We got toplay well. The group was like, I
play we play together with theladies all women, but then the
group behind us or we'll be mensand it's great to see there you
know, we go get to be in thesame infield and was able to see
(10:02):
their shots. sneak a little,like, you know, sneak a peek at
what they're doing. And it'sjust nice. It's a, it's a great,
great event again, really,really unique and a fun event.
Douglas Maida (10:14):
You were pretty busy in that stretch going from
France, to Northern Ireland. Andthen I believe from there you
went to Scotland getting readyfor the Scottish Open and then
the US -- Pardon me, the AIGOpen. How did you like that
travel? Is it? Uh, do you enjoythe travel like that? Or? How
(10:35):
did you adjust?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (10:35):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (10:36):
Any tips for adjusting?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (10:40):
I mean, just go with the flow. No, I
mean, it's just, it's just greatthat it's a new again, it's a
new experience getting on, Itook a ferry to Scotland from
Northern Ireland. So it was a,it was a good experience. Again,
it's something new that I neverdone before. So it's really
(11:01):
great to see, you know, and donesomething new, right? I guess.
And yeah, it's been a it was abusy summer, but I'm just really
enjoying the moment and enjoythe journey got to meet so many
great people and being to manygood, beautiful places in
Europe. So it's, it's great.
Douglas Maida (11:20):
Let me ask you this question. What do you think
the strength of your game isthis year?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (11:27):
I will say I was really pleased with how
like, you know, overall, mygame. And I think my putter
being really hot lately. Sorecently, so it's definitely
helped a lot. My putter; myputting,
Douglas Maida (11:42):
if you were to point to one aspect of your game
as being the strongest overall,would it be your putting? Or
would it be something else?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (11:50):
Ah, that would. . . well, my caddy would
always be like, Oh, always tellme that my bunker game, my
bunker shot would be like thebest and strongest part of my
game. So I think I shouldbelieve him on that.
Douglas Maida (12:05):
Well, that's true. That's true. You did you
so far are still rated numberone on the LPGA Tour for your
bunker play. So that's quitethe accomplishment right there.
But, but playing from the bunkerisn't exactly a big part of
your, I mean, it's an importantpart. But you're not playing
from the bunker on every hole.
So . . .
Pajaree Anannarukarn (12:26):
We all want to be up on the green.
Douglas Maida (12:28):
Right
Pajaree Anannarukarn (12:29):
Right. Oh, yeah.
Right.
Douglas Maida (12:29):
Right, But your bunker
play is excellent. Because it .
. . that's where you're gettingto situations where you're
saving a lot of Pars, you're nottaking extra strokes because of
your strong bunker play. Yeah.
How would you look back and say,the season -- If it was to
finish, say today? Would youhave met your goals for the
(12:51):
season and for the year? And ifnot, what was what would still
be outstanding?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (12:58):
Coming into this year, I made a few
goals for myself, I you know,first off, I just really wanted
to get myself into top 10finish, get a win, and make it
to CME and was able toaccomplish all this goal was
just really, you know, it's agreat feeling again, and I just
(13:21):
you know, after all the hardwork I put in it is paying off.
So I'm really glad it's, it's,it's all worked out good,
Douglas Maida (13:28):
Right now that you've accomplished most of or
if not all of your goals. Haveyou thought about resetting your
goals higher for next year? Orhave you not quite thought about
next year's goals yet?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (13:39):
I honestly, I haven't thought
about the next goal. I mean,next year goal, yet just yet,
because it's still we're stillon this, like, you know, this
season. And I really wanted tofocus on, you know, this year
goals and all what I can do,especially the next two events
and see what I was able toaccomplish more.
Douglas Maida (13:59):
Right. Did you learn a lot from your 2019 year
in order to bring it into theseshortened seasons?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (14:08):
Certainly, yes. Um, I think it's just, you
know, even 2018 or the yearbefore, but definitely playing.
I mean, a lot of you know, I gotinto play in a, LPGA Tour events
more in 2019 after I starteddoing, I mean, after going to
this event through Mondayqualifiers or things like that.
(14:30):
It just touched me so much.
And I think it just what I meaneverything I go through, and
everything I went through, itjust really touched me a lot,
especially all experience on thecourse or playing along with,
you know, best player in I mean,traveling and everything. I
think it's just really importantand it's the key to helping me
(14:52):
to be able to accomplish morethis year.
Douglas Maida (14:55):
So let me ask you this Pajaree, in your LPGA
career, if you could win onlyone more event? What would it
be? Or what would you want it tobe?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (15:10):
Just one?
Douglas Maida (15:11):
Well, I'm not saying that you're only gonna
win one. But um,
Pajaree Anannarukarn (15:13):
Yeah, but um, yeah, it's just, I mean, I
made a lot of goals to myself.
And I think the. . . the goalis, definitely one of them is to
win a major events. Sodefinitely, to win a major event
next would be good. Either USOpen or the Open -- the British
Open.
Douglas Maida (15:36):
Right. Okay. And I'm sure you want to kind of be
like Ariya and win the homeHonda LPGA Thailand event.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (15:47):
Yeah, I look up to Ariya and Moria and
many legends back home a lot.
And I think it is great. Theyinspired me a lot. And to
becoming a professional golferin one day to be able to
representing Thailand andwinning, you know, golf
tournament, especially on theLPGA Tour. And you know, if I
was able to win a tournamentback home, I do hope the Honda
(16:08):
LPGA the opportunity. That wouldbe great, too. So,
Douglas Maida (16:12):
Right. Okay, let me ask you something on a little
bit of a lighter scale here.
What is the scariest or weirdestthing about playing golf on the
LPGA? Have you had oneexperience or something? Or is
there something that continuallyhappens on a regular basis that
you just are apprehensive about?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (16:33):
A very difficult question, I guess. The
scariest, I think is just. .
.just what I've, I mean, what Ican think of now is just maybe
being on a clock with a rulesofficial, and on a tour, and you
really have to be aware of yourpace of play. And I think the
(16:54):
scare is is just you know, theFine. The Fine is just no joke
at all. So you got to be awareof your pace of play and came up
with a group in front of us. Imean, have in front of you.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (17:11):
Let's switch gears a little bit here,
Pinyada. Thank you for yourpatience. So how would you
describe your 2021 season?
Pinyada (17:19):
So I will say that I am happy with how my season go this
year. I start this year playingin Thailand in the Thai LPGA.
And the the other Thai tour. Sothey have like the mix tour that
(17:42):
we play both men and women inthe same tournament. So yeah,
beginning beginning of the year,I started playing Thailand. And
then and then in the middle, inthe middle of the year, I went
to the U.S. and then played theWAPT. Yeah. And, and I mean, so
(18:07):
I got several top, top 10s thisyear, either on the WAPT and the
Thai LPGA tour this year. So Imean that I'm going to play in
the US as professional at my asmy very first time playing
professional outside of thecountry.
(18:30):
So I think it's improved myselfa lot with how, how I am
thinking, during tournament, orduring, like under pressure.
(18:51):
Because when I play in the WAPT.
I carry my own bag by myself andthen I do everything by myself.
And then I I have to make my ownplan. I have to be organized
with the travel plan with thehotel and the flight booking and
(19:13):
everything. So this is my veryfirst time doing this stuff. And
then I think that helped me toimprove myself to be like to be
better and smarter. And like Isaid that it changed. It helped
me improve my thinking when Iplay outside of the country.
(19:35):
Like if I play inside thecountry, I might not be like me,
I might not be like very, playlike aggressive or, like, more
challenging if I only playinside of Thailand because
(19:55):
sometimes I just like go maybeI'm too relax here when I play
here, but when I go there, so Ihave to like, be more
aggressive, and more focused andconcentrate with my game. And
that's how I feel like my game,my game has improved from, yeah,
(20:16):
this year experience
Douglas Maida (20:22):
On a scale of One to Five, where would you rate
your season? One, being not asgood Five being absolutely
fantastic. Where would you,Where would you place yourself
on that?
Pinyada (20:37):
So I would give myself score of Four out of Five. Um, I
didn't mean that. I didn't meanabout how I perform overall, but
I give myself four because how Isatisfied with myself with how I
(20:59):
execute, and how I thinkingduring the tournament round, I
feel like I have gain moreconfident and experience on a
course. Because I play in the,like, different environment and
(21:27):
sort of circumstance. So it's soI will say, Yeah, I have learned
a lot from playing those eventoutside of the country. And
overall, I I feel very good withhow I managed my mental game and
(21:53):
drinking inside the course.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (21:56):
You just completed Stage Two a little
while ago. Now that you've hadsome time to think about it and
reflect how would you describeyour play at the event and what
are some of the biggest lessonsyou can take away from from Q
Series?
Pinyada (22:13):
Of course, I will say that playing the QC Q School
Stage Two some, I mean a lot ofplayer would definitely play
under pressure and they wouldget nervous of course, right.
Because we trying to like makeit through the Q Series. But
(22:35):
yeah, so I will say that this ismy very first time playing under
like these much pressure.
Because like we, we all want tomake it through. But then. So I
learned how to handle thepressure like to in order to be
in the higher level. But then Ialso learned that sometime it
(23:02):
might not work every time whenyou play but but I always keep
fighting and to the in theenlight and to the final round,
and always been that. Alwayskeep it through until you finish
(23:22):
and then be proud of myself.
Whatever score that I shoot. Sojust trying to keep fighting.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (23:35):
Some important lessons as you learn and play
along, go along the way. Whatwould you describe your biggest
highlight for 2021 SeasonPinyada?
Pinyada (23:45):
Yeah, I will say the Q School Stage One because I been
prepare for this for like for awhile this year. I went to play
in the state in the middle ofthe year to play the WAPT which
would have like helped meprepare for this event, which is
(24:11):
important for me. Right. Andthen I able to finish with the
coup score at Stage, Stage One.
I know I know that before Iplayed the Q School Stage One, I
feel so much pressure withinmyself because I want to I want
to make it I want to make itthrough because I travel all the
(24:34):
way from Thailand right, fromthe other side of the world just
to do this. So my playing theFirst Stage and how it's turned
out. I feel like I'm proud ofmyself. Like so much this year
with this, this performance thatI already trying to make it
(25:04):
happen. And then, even thoughthat I didn't make it through Q
Series, but I am proud of myselfthat I able to finish with good
score at Stage One this year.
Douglas Maida (25:19):
Right. And that's a big accomplishment and you've
secured playing status for theSymetra Tour for next year.
Pinyada (25:26):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (25:27):
Great. Let's take a short break. And when we come
back, we're going to chat alittle bit about Thailand as a
golf as a Golf country and thedevelopment of elite players in
Thailand and how you think thegame can continue to grow and
expand in Thailand. We'll beback in a moment.
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Douglas Maida (27:04):
We're back. Thank you for staying with us. Right
now we're going to move into ourfinal half of the show. And
we're going to chat a little bitabout Thailand, and elite
players from Thailand and thedevelopment of the game. And in
particular, women's professionalgolf, and elite golf in
Thailand. So over the pastseveral years, there's been a, a
(27:26):
jump or an increase in thenumber of type players joining
the LPGA and competing quitesuccessfully. Why don't we kick
it off with Pinyada, and thenI'll ask Pajaree for her, her
thoughts on it. But how wouldyou explain this?
Pinyada (27:38):
So yeah, I saw a lot of Thai, like junior player, they,
they like they play more golf,and they interest more in golf,
because they they see thatadvertise other Thai like top of
(27:59):
the Thai player they can successsuccess in the LPGA. So I
believe that help the younggeneration want to be like them.
And it make them believe thatthis can be happening. And
(28:19):
because they prove that we as aThai player, we can do this. So
So yeah, so and I believe thatin the future, they will be more
of the Thai player playing onthe LPGA Tour? For sure.
Douglas Maida (28:34):
And how about you Pajaree, how would you explain
the growth of competitiveplayers from Thailand?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (28:43):
Yeah, I mean, I think it's a good sign
for Thai golfing world that wenow get to see more players on
on the tour and see more peopleget involved in golf and it's
just good to see you know, thenew generations even you know,
the junior golfers back homestarted you know, enjoying the
(29:04):
game in wanting to beprofessional golfers and want to
play on the other stage or it'sjust great to see them because
it's you know, it's a sportwhere we all really enjoyed
doing it. It's it's good everyyou know if we can still
continue to grow in the game
Douglas Maida (29:21):
As someone Who's played in the Honda LPGA
Thailand event. Let's start withyou on this. How important do
you think that event has been toimproving golf in Thailand and
helping increase interest?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (29:33):
I think Honda LPGA classic plays a role
like a big role in the golfingworld because there's a junior
golfers there are a lot ofjunior golfers and people back
home who are able to go watchthe best players in person and
you know, I feel like for justwatching them play and walking
(29:58):
but you know, aside you know onthe Of course, alongside with
anything, even there's a clinicor junior clinics in whatever,
anything that in the tournament,they really help growing the
game just because you know,junior golfers are likely to,
you know, to get to be able toget to know more players and
(30:18):
even to be able to learn fromtheir games on a tournament
days. And I was one of them whoI really looking forward to, you
know, every year of Honda LPGAThailand I was able to go there.
And you know, watch the prosplay Ariya and Moria or any
other players play there beforeyou know it just like, I
(30:39):
remember watching them play whenI was little. So I think it's
just something that reallyinspired me a lot. So I think it
just really inspired too many ofthe junior golfers as well.
Douglas Maida (30:50):
Just as an aside, how did you get into golf? What
would interested you? And howdid you take up the game? And
who introduced you to it?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (30:59):
Yeah, um, I used to play tennis, my
family, my dad, especially mydad, who really, I have a
sister. Sorry. So let's startagain. So my, I have a sister an
older sister that we both reallyliked to I guess we like to play
sport, or I don't know, I don'treally remember. But my dad was
(31:21):
the one who got us into golf. Wewere playing tennis before. And
then we switched to golf rightafter, when my dad and my mom
started playing.
Douglas Maida (31:31):
And that was on a recreational basis.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (31:33):
Yeah, I guess it's just like we, my dad
feel like we could spend moretime outdoors doing some
activities. And he wants us to,to get more involved in sport.
So he put us into tennis first.
And then we realized we likegolf more. So we switched to
golf. And yeah, it's it's been agreat journey so far.
Douglas Maida (31:56):
How did you learn the game? I mean, did you
eventually go to a coach andthey put you in lessons? Or was
it something you just kind oflearned on your own?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (32:04):
Yeah, so my dad, so I got to see a coach
growing up, his name is Nicky.
And I think I really had a goodtime. I mean, I had a really
good time. Just you know,because he taught me not just
the basic of golf, but alsoloving the game more enjoying
the game, you know, andespecially that I got to, you
(32:28):
know, play golf with then madenew friends. And I don't know,
just a lot of things that I'velearned from him social golf is
like socials, you know, sociallysport, like it's their social
sport. That, you know, we made alot of new friends from it, we
hang out with friends, and it'sjust a lot of things that we can
(32:48):
do.
Douglas Maida (32:51):
Right. So, did you want to do a big shout out
to your first coach? I mean, hisname is he's still coaching in
Thailand.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (33:01):
I don't think so, I'm sorry. He used to
be like, I think maybe he didstill like we didn't really I
didn't ask him like directly,but he's, he seems like he's
doing fine. And yeah, he's oneof my very first coach. And he
touched me so much that I'mreally thankful for He taught
me. I think the important thingthat he taught me that I
(33:23):
realized is the love for thesport. I really, you know, enjoy
doing what I'm doing right now.
And I'm glad I wasn't, You know,I wasn't forced to do it. I, I
enjoy doing it.
Douglas Maida (33:37):
And how about you Pinyada? How did you get into
golf? And who introduced you tothe sport? And and how did you
get into a program fordeveloping your skills?
Pinyada (33:46):
Yes. So I first picked up the golf club when I was
like, I think maybe six yearsold, because of my mum and dad,
they, they back then they loveto play golf as their sport and
activity. And then i first pickup the golf club, and then I
(34:09):
feel like oh, it's fun. And thenbut I . . . but back at that
time, I did not like play itserious. But, but then we open
our own driving range back in myhometown khonkaen. Yeah. So that
how I start playing seriousgolf. And then I actually got
(34:34):
into the the sport team inprimary school, and that how I
like, play more serious golf ata time and then I and then I,
like I perform well. And then Igot I think I got second at my
(34:54):
very first competition. And thenI feel like I want to do more. I
want To achieve more, and thenthat's how i i decided to
develop myself and then do moreserious golf. Until now, yeah.
Douglas Maida (35:15):
Did you have any coaches, or take any
professional instruction as youwere growing up?
Pinyada (35:21):
At my, at my very first time. Um, so my first coach
would be my mom and dad, my veryfirst coach. But then I actually
have a coach that coached me,but it's kind of like, not
randomly, like, I don't have,like one coach coaching me. But
(35:45):
like when I I met some of thecoaches that I asked, like, for
some advice, but I mean, I didnot stay with one coach for a
long time, but like, I actuallydon't really remember because
back then I was like, on my ownwith my mom and dad, and then
(36:07):
and then when I grew up, then Itried to try to see what work,
worked out for me the best.
Right? So back then. So my coachback then he stopped, like
coaching now, so he just like,disappear.
Douglas Maida (36:31):
Okay, was there a certain point growing up where
you decided that, hey, I reallyliked this. I want to start
developing my skills to become acompetitive player. Was there a
certain point or an event orsomething that happened, Panetta
that said, you wanted to do thator made you think that you
wanted to do that?
Pinyada (36:53):
Yeah, like I said, that. So I feel like I love to
play golf soon. I was like,nine, like I say, because I when
I first play when I first playedin the competition, and then I
feel like I really love thefeeling when I play and then I
got the trophy. And then I tryto practice harder, play harder.
(37:19):
And, and even though sometimes,so you don't win every time,
right. But I love the feelingwhen I play golf, because I
think it's the best thing I cando in my life. Compared to doing
other things, I think playinggolf would be my best choice to
(37:41):
pick as my career. Because Ilove it and then i, i live live
with it. Like since I was nine,so like, so many years ago, and
I feel like I love golf. Andtill now. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (38:04):
Okay, so it's safe to say then you first
picked up a club when you wereabout what, six years old?
Pinyada (38:10):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (38:11):
And then by the time you were nine, you already
figured out. I liked thisenough. I want to
Pinyada (38:16):
Yeah,
Douglas Maida (38:16):
I want to keep winning trophies. I want to get
more more into golf.
Pinyada (38:19):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (38:20):
Yeah. Okay. When you were growing up, did you
have a mentor or anybody thatyou looked up to in golf?
Pinyada (38:30):
When I was young, right.
Douglas Maida (38:33):
When you were younger. Um,
Pinyada (38:35):
So back then. Michelle Wie was the most famous golfer
back then when it was young.
Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer.
And, yeah, Tiger Woods. I mean,we look up on them, and then we,
we want to be like them. Butwhen I grew up, when I went to
(38:58):
the college golf, I have. I lookup on Alison Lee. Because she,
she also she also went to thecollege golf and then she can
do, can achieve in herprofessional career and also in
the in the school as well. So Ithink that she really smart that
(39:19):
she can do both thing at thesame time. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (39:23):
Tiger Woods. He's quite popular in Thailand. His
mother's from Thailand.
Pinyada (39:28):
Yes.
Douglas Maida (39:29):
Is that well known in Thailand?
Pinyada (39:31):
Yeah of course.
Douglas Maida (39:34):
How about you Pajaree? Did you have something
that made you think that -- hey,I want to start playing
competitive golf. I just don'twant to go out and play. I want
to actually start getting betterthan everybody else. Anything
like that happened for you?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (39:52):
I remember that was happening about a year
after I started playing. So I Istarted playing at the age of
eight and a half. And I was, youknow, started, like going to the
range one or twice a week doingjust an hour lesson until like,
(40:13):
my coach couldn't put me in,sorry, until my coach put me
into the charity event. Andthat's how it like, that's like
the very first time I got intothe big field and the tournament
kind of feel. And I enjoy it.
And I feel like I mean, I thinkI even got a trophy for the
charity events came like secondworst. So it was a great, but it
(40:36):
was a great day. I remember justbeing out there playing friends
and feel a bit of competitive.
So right after that day, I toldmy dad, okay, Dad, I want to
play in real Junior Golf, and Iwant to play more golf, like I
(40:57):
want to play golf moreseriously. And he said, then you
have to practice more. You hadto spend time more on the range.
You have to, you know, bedisciplined. And I think that's
just how I started. I'm like,Yeah, I'm down for it. Like, I
want to do this. And that's likeabout nine years old nine of
age, nine and a half startedplaying a junior golf. And I
(41:18):
fell in love.
Douglas Maida (41:20):
So nine and a half you knew you also wanted to
try and become an elite player,professional player. Who did you
have any mentors when you weregrowing up? Or who you looked at
as players or things like that?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (41:30):
I look up to many golfers of course, I
wouldn't like like Pinya,Pinyada just mentioned earlier
that their Michelle Wie andPaula Creamer been really
popular, famous golfers backthen. And but yeah, I really
looked up to like a lot ofladies in Thailand, Ariya and
Moriya., Waen Pornanong,they've been a really good I
(41:54):
mean, great model, like, youknow, I really look up to them,
seeing them accomplish a lot ofyou know, things since they're
young and be able to representin Thailand, that's just like
another goal for me, being ableto be on a national team playing
for the country, and, you know,playing golf as a professional
(42:18):
and as my career.
Douglas Maida (42:20):
What about Tiger Woods in your, you know, you're
a couple of years younger thanPinyada. So was Tiger Woods much
of an influence at all, whenyou're growing up.
Pajaree Anannarukar (42:28):
Definitely, Yes, yeah, we heard a lot about
Tiger Woods back when we werelittle as well. He's always been
a phenomenal golfer, like, youknow, greatest of all time. And
as for me, I think it's justsomething that inspired all of
us to and, you know, to be ableto me know that he's actually
(42:50):
half Thai. So it's just likesomething that we're like, oh,
maybe we can do it, maybe we canone day be like him, you know,
it's, it's something that reallyinspires us.
Douglas Maida (42:59):
Let me ask you this, if you have somebody come
up to you, and ask you, whetherit be a parent or a child, and
they see Pajaree say, on thepractice range, you know, not
for an event, but just you know,practicing and a parent or child
comes to you and says that thehave an idea that they want to
(43:22):
continue or, or develop and playprofessional golf? What kind of
advice would you share withthem?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (43:29):
Very good question. Yes, I would
definitely tell them and tellingthe kid and the kids or the
girls or a boy that are even theparents that they should have a
really like they should setyourself a goal. And that you
can stick to it and work hardfor it and never give up because
(43:52):
there will be those, you know,ups and downs on the along the
journey. And I think that's justwhat you really have to remember
that sometimes things don't goas planned. So just really keep
your chin up. And maybe they'redon't they won't understand it.
But I think we all will maybeyou know, experienced that some
(44:16):
time in our life. So justreally, really enjoyed the game.
And don't forget that becauseonce were like really intense
and really try trying hard. Itjust, you know, bring up the
fun. Like we forget all that funthing. So just remember,
remember to enjoy the game.
Stick to your goal and do yourbest and the most important
thing is to believe in yourselftoo.
Douglas Maida (44:40):
Right? How about you Pinyada if somebody was to
approach you in a similarcircumstance, whether it be a
parent or a child and say, hey,you know, I'm thinking of
wanting to become a professionalplayer as well what kind of
words of wisdom or advice wouldyou give them?
Pinyada (44:56):
So for me, my advice would be there's a . . . a lot
of the professional events outthere for, for the young player,
either girls or boys to, tocompete with the professional
player, especially in Thailandwhich I, I saw a lot that we
(45:21):
have so many like compete for amajor to be able to compete in
the higher level with theprofessional player. So, I think
so, today, we have more, theyhave more chance and opportunity
(45:42):
to, to see how the professionalplayer play on the course. So
they can learn and gain moreexperience more even faster. I
mean, now now's a day becauseeverything's open more for
younger generation and they cansee more on the TV or on social
(46:05):
media. So they can inspire byseeing the top player and they
can also do it by playingagainst the pro player. So, so
they can be more prepared to beprofessional player in the
(46:28):
future. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (46:31):
How important was it to you to have those kinds of
events happening? I mean, was ita big part of your development
as a player,
Pinyada (46:38):
Um, of course, because we get to play different
situation and we have we get toplay like compete more and then
gain more experience everysingle time when we play on the
course, right? And then andthen every day everybody improve
(46:58):
themselves, you will never stopand then so you have to be
better and better every day, youeither your performance or how
you think or your mental gameand everything you have to
improve everything, physical,physical, and nutrition and
everything with the golf gamewith the swing ,with the speed,
(47:23):
with the game plan, yeah,everything.
Douglas Maida (47:28):
If you could make a suggestion or recommendation
on what you would like to seehappen, or say you were the head
of golf in Thailand and andmoney wasn't an object What
would you like to see happen toimprove golf in Thailand for
junior and elite players?
Pinyada (47:48):
So, from from my personal perspective, I think
that from my experience, when Iwent to college, golf in the
States, I feel like that,because if they get to come and
play in the States, even thoughyou just a college player, but
(48:08):
you gain a lot of perspective,you gain a lot of experience and
you, you can be, you can becomemore smarter, because you stay
on your own rather than staywith your parents back in
Thailand, right. So, when youwhen you come here and play golf
(48:29):
and do school at the same time,of course, it will be tough,
but, but that will help you tobe better as a person and also
with the golf game, because herein the States we, they are so
(48:49):
competitive and so, so many topplayer around the world, they
they also play college golf andthen so they can see how how the
top of the players play and thenthey can see and then that can
inspire them to be a bettergolfer like like, Iike I do when
(49:15):
back in college, so yeah, so Iwill say that. I mean everybody
has their own path but for mepersonally I will say that to be
able to come play college golfhere helped me prepare will to
(49:36):
be able to compete outside ofthe country without nervous. I
mean I still have some nervousof course but I gain more
confidence from like, stayoutside of the country with the
game will end with theorganization and everything
(49:56):
because you have to doeverything like you are an adult
Douglas Maida (50:00):
How about you Pajaree? If you were able to
make any recommendation orsuggestion on how to improve
golf in Thailand for both thejunior and elite players, what
would you suggest? What wouldyou like to see happen?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (50:15):
I think there's three things that I am
seeing right now. So First oneis to have a really good
practice facility for either,for all junior golfers. And, of
course, because I mean, Iwouldn't say that there's not
enough golfers I mean, notenough golf courses in time, but
there, there should be more ofthe, you know, full practice
(50:38):
facility. Because, if that's isbecause, since I'm here in a
States, and I've seen a lot ofgolf courses, that has a lot of
good practice facility, and alot of junior golfers can come
on and practice that, assomething that really good for
them to be able to, you know,come out here and in practice,
and have good course, and, youknow, full chipping green, where
(51:00):
they can all play and practicerange golfballs. And putting
green with a good speed and nicegrass is just something that I
think, if we can add that to ourgolf world, and I think that's
gonna help our junior golf a lotwith their development.
And the Second thing is to, tohave like a really good coach. I
(51:25):
mean, we all have, we started tosee more coaches now in
Thailand, which is really,really good. And it's, you know,
to, to have them theopportunities to be able to see,
like, you know, all the coaches,good coaches, where they have
experience and where they know,how to, you know, to, to be with
(51:48):
the kids are with the juniorsare sharing the experience and
teaching them the right golf,that's really important for
their future, as well as themental coach, which is really
important to the game of golf aswell. I think that's can be very
helpful, if they can, you know,learn more about mental game,
because that one point, that'sgonna be a really a really,
(52:10):
really important key.
And last, but not least, Ithink, to be able to, you know,
the thing just, some kids don'treally, I mean, I wouldn't say
it's a, some kids doesn't havethe, they don't really have
enough opportunity to get to,you know, to each of the events
(52:31):
or the tournament where theywant it to, because they're
likely to sponsor it or support,you know, support. I mean, it's
just like, their parents arereally, really interested for
the kids. But sometimes wedon't, we all don't get that we
know enough. And I think if allof the companies or any
(52:52):
sponsorship that can help, youknow, with the development and
golf, free world back inThailand, help them with the,
you know, the facility or thetournament, or anything that can
do to help them, you know,improve their game and support
it in any possible way. I thinkthat's gonna help growing the
(53:14):
game of golf for the nextgenerations, for sure.
Douglas Maida (53:18):
So if I could sum that up to make sure I got your
points correctly, one would bebetter practice facilities, and
increasing the number ofpractice facilities in Thailand.
Better coaching, through bettercoaching and more coaching
throughout Thailand, includingnot just golf, but also with
aspects like fitness, trainingand mental coaching and things.
(53:42):
Well, that was Pinyada's pointtoo, about having, you know, all
those aspects to it. And thenthirdly, would be opportunities.
So, you know, throughsponsorship or other types of
opportunities? No, would thatinclude something like Junior
programs that if juniors andtheir families can't really
afford to pay the big green feesand things like that they have
(54:04):
really affordable rates forjuniors to play?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (54:08):
Yeah, that could be, Yeah, that could
bring that up for sure. Orthings like sponsorship, not,
the scholarship as well for them
Douglas Maida (54:15):
Oh, Scholarship.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (54:16):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (54:18):
Let me ask you this. You both played Thai LPGA.
How important is the Thai LPGAto helping you develop as
players so that you can makethat next step see into the
Symetra and or LPGA.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (54:32):
For me, I would say I was really fortunate
to be able to play on theThaiLPGA Tour since I was on a
national team. I went to firstmy first appearance was like 14
years old. So it was I I wassaved by the time I was playing
there. I think I was too young,but then I was able to learn a
(54:52):
lot from just you know, playalongside with them, learning
the type of shots where I never,see still haven't figured out
how to do that. Yeah. So it's agreat learning experience and
helping me grow like, so muchnot just, you know, as well as,
you know, the template, like themental game, how they're like,
(55:13):
stay really calm during theround or anything like that. I
think it's just really helped mygame a lot by playing with them.
Douglas Maida (55:20):
So getting to play a lot of competitive golf
that,
Pajaree Anannarukarn (55:23):
Especially on a Yeah, on that level, like
professional level, they get tosee that a lot more.
Douglas Maida (55:29):
How about you Pinyada? Would you have similar
thoughts? Or would you kind ofagree with that aspect?
Pinyada (55:35):
Yes, of course, like, like Pajaree say about. So,
about the Thai LPGA event. So,yeah, so we get, we got to play
in those kinds of events. Soit's prep, as well, like, well
enough to be able to competeoutside of the country, because
(55:58):
without the Thai, Thai LPGATour, we couldn't experience the
professional level and, andtoday, we, we are more like,
competitive now in the field. Soit's become more competitive and
(56:18):
more challenging. Every, everyday.
Douglas Maida (56:23):
Pajaree you mentioned sponsorship? How
important is it been to you? Imean, as a professional player,
I mean, you look like you'reready to go to the course, you
have some you know, I noticed alot of the Thai players have SCG
is one of their sponsors, howimportant is sponsorship and you
know, is there certain sponsorsin your career that you'd like
(56:43):
to thank or you know, think thatsome special recognition for
Pajaree Anannarukarn (56:47):
Yeah, just I'm really thankful for the
opportunities that I've receivedover the past years and for the
continued support for mysponsor, thank you for believing
me. And the very first you know,time like you know, it's a long
it's a long journey for me andstill a lot more to learn and
(57:07):
the important for the for thesponsorship for especially us as
the players there's a lot ofspins there's a lot of expenses
and travel expenses and anythingthat we can you know, if I
believe there's a lot of golfersout there who have a really good
potential that maybe lack of theopportunities so if there's any
(57:27):
you know, sponsorship or supportfor them, I would think that
there would be a lot moregolfers, great golfers out on a
tour or even more you know,seems to be appear more on the
golfing world.
Douglas Maida (57:42):
How about you Pinyada, is there anybody you'd
like to thank or any for theirsupport and helping you in
developing as a player andgetting to a professional ranks?
Pinyada (57:52):
Yes, of course. First of all, I would like to say
thank you to my family, mom anddad that always supporting me
and believing in me and thenpush, push me through all the
tough condition situation until,until today. And I also want to
(58:12):
thank you to my sponsorshipSingha Corporation, which
support me is in I was like 13years old. I believe that was a
long time ago and they continuesupporting me until now. So
thank you. I would like to thankyou them for always supporting
(58:34):
and believing in me all thetime. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (58:41):
As we start to wrap up, Pinyada what's next for
you? Are you going to be playingsome . . . Is the Thai LPGA
season finished for the year orwill you be playing in any
anything over the next fewmonths? Or? Or will you just
come back to the United Statesplay some WAPT events and
prepare for Symetra Tour?
Pinyada (59:01):
Um, we still have a few events left for the Thai LPGA.
So we have two tournament leftuntil the end of this season so
I will get to play. I believethat I will get to play both of
them. Yeah, but the next eventfor the Thai LPGA will be next
week. And then I also gonna playin the other Thai Tour which is
(59:26):
the Trust Golf Tour, which theymix men and women together and
then we play against each other.
So it will be in the next twoweeks and then and then the last
for the Thai LPGA will beDecember 1, which will be the
last one, yeah, for thisseason.
Douglas Maida (59:49):
And how about you Pajaree obviously, you have the
Pelican coming up next week andthen CME and a couple of weeks
after that. Anything else foryou in between or what will you
be doing to prepare?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:00:01):
So now is.
So today is Saturday. So we gota few more days until the week
begins. So Pelican and the CMEwill be my last two events of
the season, and then I will headback to Thailand during my
offseason, get to see my familyback home for a few. I would say
I've spent like a month and twoweeks before getting ready for
(02:00:22):
the first event of the year.
Next year.
Douglas Maida (02:00:26):
Do you know what your first event of the year is
going to be?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:00:28):
I'll have you planned the Diamond Resort
events, Tournament of Championsand then Gainbridge event the
following week.
Douglas Maida (02:00:36):
Okay, is there any last words you'd like to
share or anything else, you. . .
?
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:00:40):
I think it's, it's good, and thank you
for having us again. We reallyenjoyed talking with you and
catch up with, you know, thegolfing world.
Pinyada (02:00:53):
Yeah, thank you so much for having us today.
Douglas Maida (02:00:58):
Thank you, Pinyada, a really big thank you
to both of you for taking timeout of your schedule. And you
especially Pinyada I mean,you're back now in Thailand. So
you're joining us, it's probablyafter one o'clock in the morning
there. So a little bit of a busytime for you. We appreciate it.
Pinyada (02:01:15):
Yeah, my pleasure.
Douglas Maida (02:01:17):
Okay. Pajaree, Thank you kindly for joining us.
I know you're preparing forpelican. So we appreciate you
taking the time out of your busyschedule and taking the time to
be with us today.
Pajaree Anannarukarn (02:01:30):
Thank you so much to you, too.
Douglas Maida (02:01:33):
All right. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, that
brings us to the end of ourshow. Thank you kindly for
listening in with us downloadingour show and whatnot. Because
without the support of us, ouraudience, we wouldn't be able to
produce shows like this. Sothank you very much. Have a
great day. And remember, ifyou're out there playing golf,
try to keep that ball in theshort grass.
Amy (Studio) (02:01:53):
You have been listening to our podcast show.
We're talking golf produced bythe world of golf. This episode
was recorded on Saturday,November 6 2021. If you have an
idea for a future show, pleasesend us an email to
info@worldofgolf.org. Pleaseinclude "podcast show" in the
subject line. This show is thecopyright of the world of golf.
(02:02:17):
Thank you for joining us
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