The future of women’s golf is in safe hands. The emergence of talented players on the LPGA circuit has proven to be a blessing in what is a traditionally male-dominant sport. Players like Lydia Ko and Atthaya Thitikul have led the way in this youthful bunch and have contested admirably against other experienced pros.
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Their ethnicities have also helped the game gain popularity in the Asian circuits. But in a heart-warming gesture, the compatriots have shared their admiration for one another, as did Ko for her Thai counterpart in an interaction recently.
Lydia Ko praises Atthaya Thitikul, calls her future “World No. 1”
During a social media interaction on the LPGA’s official Twitter handle, Ko spoke glowingly about the 19-year-old from Thailand. “The golf that Atthaya has been playing has been absolutely amazing,” she said, before adding her bold claim. “I think she’s got a run to be World No. 1.”
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Golf – Women’s Individual – Medal Ceremony – Kasumigaseki Country Club – Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan – August 7, 2021. Bronze medalist Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses with her medal. REUTERS/Toby Melville
Much like Thitikul, the Kiwi golfer was also a sensation during her early days on the Tour. The 25-year-old rocketed her way in the women’s rankings to the summit on February 2015. She achieved it at the age of 17 years, 9 months, and 9 days to become the youngest player ever to hold the position.
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Furthermore, Ko spoke about her experience of rising through the ranks as a young prodigy, calling it a “cool experience.” She also credited her junior for handling all the media pressures really well that came with the achievements, asserting that it showed her world-class spirit.
Lydia Ko “looking forward” to playing with teenage sensation
While the two superstars haven’t played a lot together, the Tokyo Olympics Bronze medalist feels the pair will tee up regularly in the future at the highest level. “I really enjoyed playing with her today,” she said. “I haven’t played with her much [but] I’m really looking forward to many of these rounds in our future.”
From one teenage phenom to another.
Lydia Ko on Atthaya Thitikul. pic.twitter.com/lQN4ge6GAs
— LPGA (@LPGA) October 22, 2022
The pair is presently contesting in the BMW Ladies Championship at the Oak Valley Golf Club. At the end of Saturday’s play, the World No. 5, Ko, led the standings with a score of 18-under par. Thitikul wasn’t far behind the pecking order – she remained tied in 6th position while remaining five shots off Ko.
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Written by
Edited by
Tony Thomas