Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn earned her maiden LPGA Tour title at the ISPS Handa World Invitational presented by Aviv Clinics in 2021.
After defeating Emma Talley with a par on the second playoff hole, the Thai star made it to the winner’s circle and became a member of the LET.
Returning to the scene of victory always brings back memories and Anannarukarn reflected on what she learned on that final day.
“Coming back here actually brings back a lot of great memories and special moments, and it’s just good to be back soaking in those vibes,” she said.
“The important part was, I learned a lot from that final day from starting the day with couple birdies and playing well all the way until the sixth hole where I slipped.
“But I learned a lot from just trying to stay patient and trying to just do your best and remember that it’s not always going to be perfect. Everything is not going to be perfect. So as long as you just continue to do your thing and just keep focusing on what you can do, I think being patient and trusting yourself – that’s really important.”
Last year, the tournament was the first tri-sanctioned event in the northern hemisphere between the LET, LPGA and DP World Tour.
This year, there are 132 men and 132 women competing in two separate, 72-hole stroke-play tournaments happening on the same courses, at the same time.
Victory was extra special for Anannarukarn, as she had her dad in attendance to watch, as well as her friends from the LET and LPGA.
She added: “It’s good to just look back and remember what it felt like. There is no place I would rather be than together with a win and to have my dad there just to watch me. It’s been a journey and he has been there ever since I started, so to be able to pull it off like in front of him and he was there to see me, it’s just amazing and special.”
After managing to play so well at Galgorm and Massereene last year, Anannarukarn knows there is some expectation on her shoulders.
However, she is not putting any pressure on herself and hopes that focusing on her own game means she will play well.
“I have been working on just same thing,” she continued. “Starting the year, I set out my goals and what I need to work on to improve on every aspect of the game that I can. It’s still the same thing.
“To be here this week as defending champ or next week, just being another player trying to put yourself in contention. I think it’s the same as every week, but it’s definitely going to be a bit extra here this week because people expect you to come here and defend.
“Yes, I want to repeat that, but all I can do is just focus on my game and just try to pull out the A game and just put myself in contention hopefully.”
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