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Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum is all set for a grand performance in the Hero Women’s India Open beginning on Friday at the DLF Golf Country Club.
Phatlum, who won the event twice – 2008 and 2009, is gunning to become the first woman professional to win the Hero Women’s India Open for the third time.
Making her sixth appearance at the Hero Women’s India Open and as one of the only players to do so, she has an exemplary record in the event, having tied for 30th in 2007, tied sixth in 2010 and finished second behind Caroline Hedwall in 2011.
The 23-year-old from Chaiyaphun, a satellite town near Chiangmai in north Thailand, said: “There’s no pressure on me. My game is on song and I like playing in India. There is a chance for me to go for my third win, this explains why I’m here – to make it happen,” said Phatlum.
Having played 27 events on the US LPGA this season, Phatlum only missed the cut six times.
“Playing in the US LPGA has made me a better player. The courses are tough, the greens are sleek and tough and there are good players,” said Phatlum, who won the HSBC LPGA Brasil Cup 2012 and recorded a tie for 12th and 14th positions at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic and Honda LPGA respectively.
Looking more matured and speaking good English, since earning a card to play on the USLPGA two seasons ago, the pretty-looking Phatlum, a graduate of Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University, hinted that her game is strong.
“Don’t forget, there are strong players taking part in this event too. The Hero Women’s India Open always holds a special place in my heart because I won it twice over here. I hope my form and my mental strength will help me win once more to put my name on the record books,” said Phatlum, who has targeted a top 30 ranking on the USLPGA for the new season beginning next year. She is currently ranked 55th for 2012.
Phatlum hopes to help continue the Asian dominance of women’s golf. “I want to be part of that force from Asia. So, winning a joint-sanctioned event by Ladies Asian Golf Tour and Ladies European Tour will justify my actions,” said Phatlum.
