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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Douglas Maida: 0:22

Hello and good afternoon. I'm Douglas Maida and welcome to our show we're talking golf. In today's show, we will continue our look at Women's Professional Golf from around the world, with Thailand being today's focus. If you follow Women's Professional Golf, you will know that the players from the United States and South Korea are some of the most dominant players on tour. However, there is a new nation of players that are rising to a similar standard. And those players come from Thailand. Now, some of the early Thai pioneers in women's professional golf included Virada Nirapathpongpon, she was a graduate of Duke University and played a few years on the LPGA. Of course, there was also the Thai Korean players, Aree and Naree Song. Now they gave way to a newer generation of players like Pornanong Phatlum and the Jutanugarn sisters -- Moriya and Ariya, with Ariya becoming Thailand's most celebrated player with 12 LPGA victories, including two major championships. Now there is a younger group of players coming led most notably by Patty Tavatanakit, winner of the 2021 ANA Championship and the Rookie of the Year for 2021. Joining us though today are two players of this younger generation. They are Pajaree Anannarukarn, who was a winner on the LPGA season earlier this year, and Pinyada Kuvanun, an aspiring professional player. We will be discussing their experiences and becoming professional players life on the LPGA and Thai LPGA. And we will discuss the development of elite players from their home Thailand. Now before we get to that, we're going to take a short break for some messages.

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Amy (Studio): 2:58

Today's show is being recorded from our studio in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. We are produced by the World of Golf. And you can find us on the worldwide web at www.worldofgolf.org or on our social media channels of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now on LinkedIn. For those of you in Asia and elsewhere. You can also find us on Weibo and We Chat. We are proud to announce that "We're Talking Golf" has been recognized as one of the top 40 podcasts to follow in 2021 for LPGA golf content. Now, back to our show. Here is your host Douglas Maida.

Douglas Maida: 3:42

We're back thank you for staying with us. Now let's get right to our guests. Pinyada Kuvanun is 25 She graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in International Business. Her best finishes included winning the battle at Boulder Creek twice in 2018 and again in 2019. She led her team in the Mac conference championships, where she had a personal best finish of third in 2018. She currently plays on the Thai LPGA and she recently completed Stage Two of the LPGA Q series. Pinyada will be playing on the Symetra Tour in 2022. Pajaree Anannarukarn is 22. And She first joined the LPGA in 2019. She has one win on tour coming earlier this year at the ISPS Handa Invitational that was hosted by Niall Horan in Galgorm Northern Ireland. She is currently ranked 71st in the Rolex world rankings, and she sits in the 20th spot in the CME Race to the Globe standings. I'd like to extend a big welcome to both you Pinyada and to you Pajaree.

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 4:47

Hi,

Pinyada: 4:48

Yeah Hi. Thank you for having us.

Douglas Maida: 4:52

Yes, our pleasure. Our pleasure. And thank you Pinyada for joining us from Bangkok.

Pinyada: 4:57

Yes, of course.

Douglas Maida: 5:00

And thank you Pajaree. Whereabouts in Florida are you?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 5:04

I'm currently in Tampa, Florida.

Douglas Maida: 5:08

Let's start with the LET and and your most recent event -- that is your most recent event is not the Dubai Midnight Classic or Moonlight Classic?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 5:15

Yes, it is.

Douglas Maida: 5:17

You had a T-4 finish?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 5:19

Yeah, it's a great event. It's it's actually my first time playing a night golf. And was able to see like, you know, the course in a different aspect. Seeing a lot of you know, like, it's a great course is really was a great course, you know, surrounded by beautiful buildings and lights everywhere. Yeah, it's a great week.

Douglas Maida: 5:42

And what did you think of the course and playing under the lights? Was that the first time you played under the lights?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 5:47

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 gett ng the speed right. I mean I tried. It's like, it's a wh le new experience for me. So learning, learning every bit of it. But it's a it's a fun I mean, obviously a fun event I really enjoy it. I think, ou know, it's it's a really g od experience for maybe if we w re able to if we all get to play in the night golf and get a cha ce to do so it's a gr

Douglas Maida: 6:23

Right. reading those greens must have been at experien difficult because I imagine with the shadows and not being able to see the line quite right or the path of the ball. Do you rely on a lot of "feel"?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 6:36

Oh, yeah. But yeah, I think it just, I mean, like I said, as it gets darker, I feel like the grass grow longer. And this be I mean, the speed of the greens tends to go a little slower to so harder to read the green all this and honestly, I, I think I was doing it. Well, I mean, good enough. And I think it's this it's great. And one thing I'm really proud of -- I didn't shank me.

Douglas Maida: 7:07

I guess that kind of has that effect.

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 7:08

Yeah,

Douglas Maida: 7:08

You've got a little bit of shadows and things and you're not used to seeing the golf ball like that.

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 7:12

Yeah. So I'm happy with that.

Douglas Maida: 7:16

Yeah, I could imagine. Well, you're from Thailand. I was gonna see it gets pretty darn hot in Thailand. Was the heat any factor in Dubai for you?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 7:25

I think it. I mean, I feel like I really got used to playing golf in the heat. But I mean, it's still really warm during the daytime in Dubai. I think that's the reason why they wanted us to play the night too. So it's a

Douglas Maida: 7:40

Let me ask you a little bit about your season good call. now. It's two events left for you, on the LPGA Tour, at least you're playing the Pelican next week. And then you have in two weeks time the CME season ending event. So how would you describe your season so far? Or you know, everything you've had for you this year Pajaree?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 8:04

Yeah. So far, it's been great. No complaints at all. It's just, I really pleased with how I played over the years. And I think it just, I mean, I've learned a lot over the years well, learning every week, and you know, gaining more experience and to get, to be able to get my first win this year, last summer and to you know, get my first top 10 falling with a couple more top 10 finishes. It's just really just been a really good year.

Douglas Maida: 8:39

And your win, of course in Northern Ireland. What was it? Did you know who Niall Horan was before in One Direction?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 8:47

Yeah, I know, I know who he is. And I use like, I mean, I was gonna say I used to, but I'm actually still like the fan of One Direction. So it just really cool that I got to meet him in person and was able to, take a photo of him with my first LPGA Tour Trophy. It was great.

Douglas Maida: 9:10

Was that pretty special then?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 9:12

It was really well.

Douglas Maida: 9:15

If you follow and like to listen to one direction Who was your favorite? Did you have one of the favorite characters on that . . .In that band?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 9:23

Ah, definitely, Niall and Harry Styles yeah, those are those. Those are my favorite.

Douglas Maida: 9:34

Okay. Now, how was the experience of playing with the men at the same time? Was that kind of a?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 9:40

Yeah, that was a it's a really it was a really unique event. We got to play well. The group was like, I play we play together with the ladies all women, but then the group behind us or we'll be mens and it's great to see there you know, we go get to be in the same infield and was able to see their shots. sneak a little, like, you know, sneak a peek at what they're doing. And it's just 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. And then I believe from there you went to Scotland getting ready for the Scottish Open and then the US -- Pardon me, the AIG Open. How did you like that travel? Is it? Uh, do you enjoy the travel like that? Or? How 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 great that it's a new again, it's a new experience getting on, I took a ferry to Scotland from Northern Ireland. So it was a, it was a good experience. Again, it's something new that I never done before. So it's really great to see, you know, and done something new, right? I guess. And yeah, it's been a it was a busy summer, but I'm just really enjoying the moment and enjoy the journey got to meet so many great people and being to many good, 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 is this year?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 11:27

I will say I was really pleased with how like, you know, overall, my game. And I think my putter being really hot lately. So recently, so it's definitely helped a lot. My putter; my putting,

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 tell me that my bunker game, my bunker shot would be like the best and strongest part of my game. So I think I should believe him on that.

Douglas Maida: 12:05

Well, that's true. That's true. You did you so far are still rated number one on the LPGA Tour for your bunker play. So that's quite the accomplishment right there. But, but playing from the bunker isn't exactly a big part of your, I mean, it's an important part. 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 getting to situations where you're saving a lot of Pars, you're not taking 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 you have met your goals for the season and for the year? And if not, 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 10 finish, get a win, and make it to CME and was able to accomplish all this goal was just really, you know, it's a great feeling again, and I just you know, after all the hard work 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. Have you thought about resetting your goals higher for next year? Or have 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 still on this, like, you know, this season. And I really wanted to focus on, you know, this year goals and all what I can do, especially the next two events and see what I was able to accomplish more.

Douglas Maida: 13:59

Right. Did you learn a lot from your 2019 year in order to bring it into these shortened seasons?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 14:08

Certainly, yes. Um, I think it's just, you know, even 2018 or the year before, but definitely playing. I mean, a lot of you know, I got into play in a, LPGA Tour events more in 2019 after I started doing, I mean, after going to this event through Monday qualifiers or things like that. It just touched me so much. And I think it just what I mean everything I go through, and everything I went through, it just really touched me a lot, especially all experience on the course or playing along with, you know, best player in I mean, traveling and everything. I think it's just really important and it's the key to helping me to be able to accomplish more this year.

Douglas Maida: 14:55

So let me ask you this Pajaree, in your LPGA career, if you could win only one more event? What would it be? Or what would you want it to be?

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 goal is, definitely one of them is to win a major events. So definitely, to win a major event next would be good. Either US Open 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 home Honda 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. They inspired me a lot. And to becoming a professional golfer in one day to be able to representing Thailand and winning, you know, golf tournament, especially on the LPGA Tour. And you know, if I was able to win a tournament back home, I do hope the Honda LPGA the opportunity. That would be 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 weirdest thing about playing golf on the LPGA? Have you had one experience or something? Or is there something that continually happens 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 I can think of now is just maybe being on a clock with a rules official, and on a tour, and you really have to be aware of your pace of play. And I think the scare is is just you know, the Fine. The Fine is just no joke at all. So you got to be aware of your pace of play and came up with a group in front of us. I mean, have in front of you. Yeah.

Douglas Maida: 17:11

Let's switch gears a little bit here, Pinyada. Thank you for your patience. 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 playing in Thailand in the Thai LPGA. And the the other Thai tour. So they have like the mix tour that we play both men and women in the same tournament. So yeah, beginning beginning of the year, I started playing Thailand. And then and then in the middle, in the middle of the year, I went to the U.S. and then played the WAPT. Yeah. And, and I mean, so I got several top, top 10s this year, either on the WAPT and the Thai LPGA tour this year. So I mean that I'm going to play in the US as professional at my as my very first time playing professional outside of the country. So I think it's improved myself a lot with how, how I am thinking, during tournament, or during, like under pressure. Because when I play in the WAPT. I carry my own bag by myself and then I do everything by myself. And then I I have to make my own plan. I have to be organized with the travel plan with the hotel and the flight booking and everything. So this is my very first time doing this stuff. And then I think that helped me to improve myself to be like to be better and smarter. And like I said that it changed. It helped me improve my thinking when I play outside of the country. Like if I play inside the country, I might not be like me, I might not be like very, play like aggressive or, like, more challenging if I only play inside of Thailand because sometimes I just like go maybe I'm too relax here when I play here, but when I go there, so I have to like, be more aggressive, and more focused and concentrate with my game. And that's how I feel like my game, my game has improved from, yeah, this year experience

Douglas Maida: 20:22

On a scale of One to Five, where would you rate your season? One, being not as good 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 mean about how I perform overall, but I give myself four because how I satisfied with myself with how I execute, and how I thinking during the tournament round, I feel like I have gain more confident and experience on a course. Because I play in the, like, different environment and sort of circumstance. So it's so I will say, Yeah, I have learned a lot from playing those event outside of the country. And overall, I I feel very good with how I managed my mental game and drinking inside the course. Yeah.

Douglas Maida: 21:56

You just completed Stage Two a little while ago. Now that you've had some time to think about it and reflect how would you describe your play at the event and what are some of the biggest lessons you 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 of player would definitely play under pressure and they would get nervous of course, right. Because we trying to like make it through the Q Series. But yeah, so I will say that this is my very first time playing under like these much pressure. Because like we, we all want to make it through. But then. So I learned how to handle the pressure like to in order to be in the higher level. But then I also learned that sometime it might not work every time when you play but but I always keep fighting and to the in the enlight and to the final round, and always been that. Always keep it through until you finish and then be proud of myself. Whatever score that I shoot. So just trying to keep fighting. Yeah.

Douglas Maida: 23:35

Some important lessons as you learn and play along, go along the way. What would you describe your biggest highlight for 2021 Season Pinyada?

Pinyada: 23:45

Yeah, I will say the Q School Stage One because I been prepare for this for like for a while this year. I went to play in the state in the middle of the year to play the WAPT which would have like helped me prepare for this event, which is important for me. Right. And then I able to finish with the coup score at Stage, Stage One. I know I know that before I played the Q School Stage One, I feel so much pressure within myself because I want to I want to make it I want to make it through because I travel all the way from Thailand right, from the other side of the world just to do this. So my playing the First Stage and how it's turned out. I feel like I'm proud of myself. Like so much this year with this, this performance that I already trying to make it happen. And then, even though that I didn't make it through Q Series, but I am proud of myself that 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 the Symetra 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 a little bit about Thailand as a golf as a Golf country and the development of elite players in Thailand and how you think the game can continue to grow and expand in Thailand. We'll be back 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 our final half of the show. And we're going to chat a little bit about Thailand, and elite players from Thailand and the development of the game. And in particular, women's professional golf, and elite golf in Thailand. So over the past several years, there's been a, a jump or an increase in the number of type players joining the LPGA and competing quite successfully. Why don't we kick it off with Pinyada, and then I'll ask Pajaree for her, her thoughts on it. But how would you 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 that advertise other Thai like top of the Thai player they can success success in the LPGA. So I believe that help the young generation want to be like them. And it make them believe that this can be happening. And because they prove that we as a Thai player, we can do this. So So yeah, so and I believe that in the future, they will be more of the Thai player playing on the LPGA Tour? For sure.

Douglas Maida: 28:34

And how about you Pajaree, how would you explain the growth of competitive players from Thailand?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 28:43

Yeah, I mean, I think it's a good sign for Thai golfing world that we now get to see more players on on the tour and see more people get involved in golf and it's just good to see you know, the new generations even you know, the junior golfers back home started you know, enjoying the game in wanting to be professional golfers and want to play on the other stage or it's just great to see them because it's you know, it's a sport where we all really enjoyed doing it. It's it's good every you 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 with you on this. How important do you think that event has been to improving 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 golfing world because there's a junior golfers there are a lot of junior golfers and people back home who are able to go watch the best players in person and you know, I feel like for just watching them play and walking but you know, aside you know on the Of course, alongside with anything, even there's a clinic or 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 to get to know more players and even to be able to learn from their games on a tournament days. And I was one of them who I really looking forward to, you know, every year of Honda LPGA Thailand I was able to go there. And you know, watch the pros play Ariya and Moria or any other players play there before you know it just like, I remember watching them play when I was little. So I think it's just something that really inspired me a lot. So I think it just really inspired too many of the junior golfers as well.

Douglas Maida: 30:50

Just as an aside, how did you get into golf? What would interested you? And how did 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 my dad, who really, I have a sister. Sorry. So let's start again. So my, I have a sister an older sister that we both really liked to I guess we like to play sport, or I don't know, I don't really remember. But my dad was the one who got us into golf. We were playing tennis before. And then we switched to golf right after, 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 more time 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 like golf more. So we switched to golf. And yeah, it's it's been a great journey so far.

Douglas Maida: 31:56

How did you learn the game? I mean, did you eventually go to a coach and they put you in lessons? Or was it something you just kind of learned 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 good time. I mean, I had a really good time. Just you know, because he taught me not just the basic of golf, but also loving the game more enjoying the game, you know, and especially that I got to, you know, play golf with then made new friends. And I don't know, just a lot of things that I've learned from him social golf is like socials, you know, socially sport, like it's their social sport. That, you know, we made a lot of new friends from it, we hang out with friends, and it's just a lot of things that we can do.

Douglas Maida: 32:51

Right. So, did you want to do a big shout out to your first coach? I mean, his name 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 did still 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 one of my very first coach. And he touched me so much that I'm really thankful for He taught me. I think the important thing that he taught me that I realized is the love for the sport. 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 to the sport? And and how did you get into a program for developing your skills?

Pinyada: 33:46

Yes. So I first picked up the golf club when I was like, I think maybe six years old, because of my mum and dad, they, they back then they love to play golf as their sport and activity. And then i first pick up the golf club, and then I feel like oh, it's fun. And then but I . . . but back at that time, I did not like play it serious. But, but then we open our own driving range back in my hometown khonkaen. Yeah. So that how I start playing serious golf. And then I actually got into the the sport team in primary school, and that how I like, play more serious golf at a time and then I and then I, like I perform well. And then I got I think I got second at my very first competition. And then I feel like I want to do more. I want To achieve more, and then that's how i i decided to develop myself and then do more serious golf. Until now, yeah.

Douglas Maida: 35:15

Did you have any coaches, or take any professional instruction as you were growing up?

Pinyada: 35:21

At my, at my very first time. Um, so my first coach would be my mom and dad, my very first 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 like when I I met some of the coaches that I asked, like, for some advice, but I mean, I did not stay with one coach for a long time, but like, I actually don't really remember because back then I was like, on my own with my mom and dad, and then and then when I grew up, then I tried to try to see what work, worked out for me the best. Right? So back then. So my coach back 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 really liked this. I want to start developing my skills to become a competitive player. Was there a certain point or an event or something that happened, Panetta that said, you wanted to do that or 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 played in the competition, and then I feel like I really love the feeling when I play and then I got the trophy. And then I try to practice harder, play harder. And, and even though sometimes, so you don't win every time, right. But I love the feeling when I play golf, because I think it's the best thing I can do in my life. Compared to doing other things, I think playing golf would be my best choice to pick as my career. Because I love 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. And till now. Yeah.

Douglas Maida: 38:04

Okay, so it's safe to say then you first picked up a club when you were about 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 this enough. 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 that you 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. But when I grew up, when I went to the college golf, I have. I look up on Alison Lee. Because she, she also she also went to the college golf and then she can do, can achieve in her professional career and also in the in the school as well. So I think that she really smart that she can do both thing at the same 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't want to go out and play. I want to actually start getting better than 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 I started playing at the age of eight and a half. And I was, you know, started, like going to the range one or twice a week doing just an hour lesson until like, my coach couldn't put me in, sorry, until my coach put me into the charity event. And that's how it like, that's like the very first time I got into the big field and the tournament kind of feel. And I enjoy it. And I feel like I mean, I think I even got a trophy for the charity events came like second worst. So it was a great, but it was a great day. I remember just being out there playing friends and feel a bit of competitive. So right after that day, I told my dad, okay, Dad, I want to play in real Junior Golf, and I want to play more golf, like I want to play golf more seriously. And he said, then you have to practice more. You had to spend time more on the range. You have to, you know, be disciplined. 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 like about nine years old nine of age, nine and a half started playing a junior golf. And I 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 were growing 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 and Paula Creamer been really popular, famous golfers back then. And but yeah, I really looked up to like a lot of ladies in Thailand, Ariya and Moriya., Waen Pornanong, they've been a really good I mean, great model, like, you know, I really look up to them, seeing them accomplish a lot of you know, things since they're young and be able to represent in Thailand, that's just like another goal for me, being able to be on a national team playing for the country, and, you know, playing golf as a professional and as my career.

Douglas Maida: 42:20

What about Tiger Woods in your, you know, you're a couple of years younger than Pinyada. So was Tiger Woods much of an influence at all, when you're growing up.

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 42:28

Definitely, Yes, yeah, we heard a lot about Tiger Woods back when we were little as well. He's always been a phenomenal golfer, like, you know, greatest of all time. And as for me, I think it's just something that inspired all of us to and, you know, to be able to me know that he's actually half Thai. So it's just like something that we're like, oh, maybe we can do it, maybe we can one day be like him, you know, it's, it's something that really inspires us.

Douglas Maida: 42:59

Let me ask you this, if you have somebody come up to you, and ask you, whether it be a parent or a child, and they see Pajaree say, on the practice range, you know, not for an event, but just you know, practicing and a parent or child comes to you and says that the have an idea that they want to continue or, or develop and play professional golf? What kind of advice would you share with them?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 43:29

Very good question. Yes, I would definitely tell them and telling the kid and the kids or the girls or a boy that are even the parents that they should have a really like they should set yourself a goal. And that you can stick to it and work hard for it and never give up because there will be those, you know, ups and downs on the along the journey. And I think that's just what you really have to remember that sometimes things don't go as planned. So just really keep your chin up. And maybe they're don't they won't understand it. But I think we all will maybe you know, experienced that some time in our life. So just really, really enjoyed the game. And don't forget that because once were like really intense and really try trying hard. It just, you know, bring up the fun. Like we forget all that fun thing. So just remember, remember to enjoy the game. Stick to your goal and do your best and the most important thing is to believe in yourself too.

Douglas Maida: 44:40

Right? How about you Pinyada if somebody was to approach you in a similar circumstance, whether it be a parent or a child and say, hey, you know, I'm thinking of wanting to become a professional player as well what kind of words of wisdom or advice would you give them?

Pinyada: 44:56

So for me, my advice would be there's a . . . a lot of the professional events out there for, for the young player, either girls or boys to, to compete with the professional player, especially in Thailand which I, I saw a lot that we have so many like compete for a major to be able to compete in the higher level with the professional player. So, I think so, today, we have more, they have more chance and opportunity to, to see how the professional player play on the course. So they can learn and gain more experience more even faster. I mean, now now's a day because everything's open more for younger generation and they can see more on the TV or on social media. So they can inspire by seeing the top player and they can also do it by playing against the pro player. So, so they can be more prepared to be professional player in the future. Yeah.

Douglas Maida: 46:31

How important was it to you to have those kinds of events happening? I mean, was it a 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 to play like compete more and then gain more experience every single time when we play on the course, right? And then and then every day everybody improve themselves, you will never stop and then so you have to be better and better every day, you either your performance or how you think or your mental game and everything you have to improve everything, physical, physical, and nutrition and everything with the golf game with the swing ,with the speed, with the game plan, yeah, everything.

Douglas Maida: 47:28

If you could make a suggestion or recommendation on what you would like to see happen, or say you were the head of golf in Thailand and and money wasn't an object What would you like to see happen to improve golf in Thailand for junior and elite players?

Pinyada: 47:48

So, from from my personal perspective, I think that from my experience, when I went to college, golf in the States, I feel like that, because if they get to come and play in the States, even though you just a college player, but you gain a lot of perspective, you gain a lot of experience and you, you can be, you can become more smarter, because you stay on your own rather than stay with your parents back in Thailand, right. So, when you when you come here and play golf and do school at the same time, of course, it will be tough, but, but that will help you to be better as a person and also with the golf game, because here in the States we, they are so competitive and so, so many top player around the world, they they also play college golf and then so they can see how how the top of the players play and then they can see and then that can inspire them to be a better golfer like like, Iike I do when back in college, so yeah, so I will say that. I mean everybody has their own path but for me personally I will say that to be able to come play college golf here helped me prepare will to be able to compete outside of the country without nervous. I mean I still have some nervous of course but I gain more confidence from like, stay outside of the country with the game will end with the organization and everything because you have to do everything like you are an adult

Douglas Maida: 50:00

How about you Pajaree? If you were able to make any recommendation or suggestion on how to improve golf in Thailand for both the junior and elite players, what would you suggest? What would you like to see happen?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 50:15

I think there's three things that I am seeing right now. So First one is to have a really good practice facility for either, for all junior golfers. And, of course, because I mean, I wouldn't say that there's not enough golfers I mean, not enough golf courses in time, but there, there should be more of the, you know, full practice facility. Because, if that's is because, since I'm here in a States, and I've seen a lot of golf courses, that has a lot of good practice facility, and a lot of junior golfers can come on and practice that, as something that really good for them to be able to, you know, come out here and in practice, and have good course, and, you know, full chipping green, where they can all play and practice range golfballs. And putting green with a good speed and nice grass is just something that I think, if we can add that to our golf world, and I think that's gonna help our junior golf a lot with their development. And the Second thing is to, to have like a really good coach. I mean, we all have, we started to see more coaches now in Thailand, which is really, really good. And it's, you know, to, to have them the opportunities 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 the kids are with the juniors are sharing the experience and teaching them the right golf, that's really important for their future, as well as the mental coach, which is really important to the game of golf as well. I think that's can be very helpful, if they can, you know, learn more about mental game, because that one point, that's gonna be a really a really, really important key. And last, but not least, I think, to be able to, you know, the thing just, some kids don't really, I mean, I wouldn't say it's a, some kids doesn't have the, they don't really have enough opportunity to get to, you know, to each of the events or the tournament where they want it to, because they're likely to sponsor it or support, you know, support. I mean, it's just like, their parents are really, really interested for the kids. But sometimes we don't, we all don't get that we know enough. And I think if all of the companies or any sponsorship that can help, you know, with the development and golf, free world back in Thailand, help them with the, you know, the facility or the tournament, or anything that can do to help them, you know, improve their game and support it in any possible way. I think that's gonna help growing the game of golf for the next generations, for sure.

Douglas Maida: 53:18

So if I could sum that up to make sure I got your points correctly, one would be better practice facilities, and increasing the number of practice facilities in Thailand. Better coaching, through better coaching and more coaching throughout Thailand, including not just golf, but also with aspects like fitness, training and mental coaching and things. Well, that was Pinyada's point too, about having, you know, all those aspects to it. And then thirdly, would be opportunities. So, you know, through sponsorship or other types of opportunities? No, would that include something like Junior programs that if juniors and their families can't really afford to pay the big green fees and things like that they have really affordable rates for juniors to play?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 54:08

Yeah, that could be, Yeah, that could bring that up for sure. Or things 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 LPGA to helping you develop as players so that you can make that 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 theThai LPGA Tour since I was on a national team. I went to first my first appearance was like 14 years old. So it was I I was saved by the time I was playing there. I think I was too young, but then I was able to learn a lot from just you know, play alongside with them, learning the type of shots where I never, see still haven't figured out how to do that. Yeah. So it's a great learning experience and helping me grow like, so much not just, you know, as well as, you know, the template, like the mental game, how they're like, stay really calm during the round or anything like that. I think it's just really helped my game 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 to see that a lot more.

Douglas Maida: 55:29

How about you Pinyada? Would you have similar thoughts? Or would you kind of agree 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. So it's prep, as well, like, well enough to be able to compete outside of the country, because without the Thai, Thai LPGA Tour, we couldn't experience the professional level and, and today, we, we are more like, competitive now in the field. So it's become more competitive and more challenging. Every, every day.

Douglas Maida: 56:23

Pajaree you mentioned sponsorship? How important is it been to you? I mean, as a professional player, I mean, you look like you're ready to go to the course, you have some you know, I noticed a lot of the Thai players have SCG is one of their sponsors, how important is sponsorship and you know, is there certain sponsors in your career that you'd like to thank or you know, think that some special recognition for

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 56:47

Yeah, just I'm really thankful for the opportunities that I've received over the past years and for the continued support for my sponsor, 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 and still a lot more to learn and the important for the for the sponsorship for especially us as the players there's a lot of spins there's a lot of expenses and travel expenses and anything that we can you know, if I believe there's a lot of golfers out there who have a really good potential that maybe lack of the opportunities so if there's any you know, sponsorship or support for them, I would think that there would be a lot more golfers, 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 their support and helping you in developing as a player and getting to a professional ranks?

Pinyada: 57:52

Yes, of course. First of all, I would like to say thank you to my family, mom and dad that always supporting me and believing in me and then push, push me through all the tough condition situation until, until today. And I also want to thank you to my sponsorship Singha Corporation, which support me is in I was like 13 years old. I believe that was a long time ago and they continue supporting me until now. So thank you. I would like to thank you them for always supporting and believing in me all the time. Yeah.

Douglas Maida: 58:41

As we start to wrap up, Pinyada what's next for you? Are you going to be playing some . . . Is the Thai LPGA season finished for the year or will you be playing in any anything over the next few months? Or? Or will you just come back to the United States play 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 left until the end of this season so I will get to play. I believe that I will get to play both of them. Yeah, but the next event for the Thai LPGA will be next week. And then I also gonna play in the other Thai Tour which is the Trust Golf Tour, which they mix men and women together and then we play against each other. So it will be in the next two weeks and then and then the last for the Thai LPGA will be December 1, which will be the last one, yeah, for this season.

Douglas Maida: 59:49

And how about you Pajaree obviously, you have the Pelican coming up next week and then CME and a couple of weeks after that. Anything else for you in between or what will you be doing to prepare?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 2:00:01

So now is. So today is Saturday. So we got a few more days until the week begins. So Pelican and the CME will be my last two events of the season, and then I will head back to Thailand during my offseason, get to see my family back home for a few. I would say I've spent like a month and two weeks before getting ready for the first event of the year. Next year.

Douglas Maida: 2:00:26

Do you know what your first event of the year is going to be?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 2:00:28

I'll have you planned the Diamond Resort events, Tournament of Champions and then Gainbridge event the following week.

Douglas Maida: 2:00:36

Okay, is there any last words you'd like to share or anything else, you. . .?

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 2:00:40

I think it's, it's good, and thank you for having us again. We really enjoyed talking with you and catch up with, you know, the golfing world.

Pinyada: 2:00:53

Yeah, thank you so much for having us today.

Douglas Maida: 2:00:58

Thank you, Pinyada, a really big thank you to both of you for taking time out of your schedule. And you especially Pinyada I mean, you're back now in Thailand. So you're joining us, it's probably after one o'clock in the morning there. So a little bit of a busy time for you. We appreciate it.

Pinyada: 2:01:15

Yeah, my pleasure.

Douglas Maida: 2:01:17

Okay. Pajaree, Thank you kindly for joining us. I know you're preparing for pelican. So we appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule and taking the time to be with us today.

Pajaree Anannarukarn: 2:01:30

Thank you so much to you, too.

Douglas Maida: 2:01:33

All right. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, that brings us to the end of our show. Thank you kindly for listening in with us downloading our show and whatnot. Because without the support of us, our audience, we wouldn't be able to produce shows like this. So thank you very much. Have a great day. And remember, if you're out there playing golf, try to keep that ball in the short grass.

Amy (Studio): 2:01:53

You have been listening to our podcast show. We're talking golf produced by the world of golf. This episode was recorded on Saturday, November 6 2021. If you have an idea for a future show, please send us an email to info@worldofgolf.org. Please include "podcast show" in the subject line. This show is the copyright of the world of golf. Thank you for joining us