Six days ago, all Chanettee Wannasaen wanted was to get qualified for a spot in LPGA Portland. Cometh the weekend, she came out as a winner. The 19-year-old rookie lifted the trophy of the Portland Classic worth $1.5 Million on Sunday. Many believe that her splendid performance came out of nowhere.

Golf can surprise you. After weeks of anguish, the Thai golfer won at the Columbia Edgewater, becoming the first Monday qualifier to win since 2015. She must have made her country proud; interestingly, her nickname is also ‘Proud’. It’s all in the name, indeed.

Chanettee Wannasaen’s Thai roots

While she has found the adoration of the golf world, Wannasaen has always held the support of her Thai people. Chanettee revealed that winning in Thailand taught her how to control her mind. In an interview, she mentioned how it helped her to keep calm during the last round in Portland.

Also Read: Moments After Chanettee Wannasaen’s Entry Into the Three-Member Elite Club, Veteran LPGA Pro Shows No Bad Blood but Compassion for the 19-Year- Old

She has won many accolades on the Thai LPGA tour. In 2022, she won two Thai LPGA events: the Singha Pattaya Ladies Open and the SAT-NSDF 5th Thai LPGA Championship, followed by another successful win in the LET Access Series at Trust Golf Links Series.

At the Portland Classic, many of her Thai friends cheered for her. Wannasaen was thrilled to see her friends do that, and she revealed that they always cheer for her. Even when she loses confidence, they bring her back by saying, “You can do it, Proud.” 

Indeed, ‘Proud’ made Thailand proud. In her last 33 holes in Portland, she carded 14 birdies, one eagle, and zero bogeys. Out of all, the eagle was her favorite. Wannasaen is also very clear about the areas she wants to improve. It’s her short game, where she thinks it’s neither good nor bad and needs work.

Chanettee Wannasaen was awaiting a win for so long

In her final round, Wannasaen carded 63 and broke the tournament record with a 26-under 262. Her four rounds at the Columbia Edgewater Macan Course were 68-66-65-63.

In one of the conversations post the win, the reporter enquired about her reaction to her stupendous performance. “From the last week that I played, it really gave me confidence, and so I just carried on and build that, you know, take that confidence and play with me this week,” she said.

She expressed confidence in her game and talked about her long-time search for a victory. “This week I have a lot of belief that I can do it. Even for missed shot or making mistake, I know that I can fight back and do better and basically just believe in myself a lot more.” Indeed, her confidence is staying true to her nickname.

Watch This Story | Nelly Korda Announces She’s Taking a Break From Golf