KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand’s reputation as a relentless conveyor belt of world-class female golfing talent took centre stage at the Maybank Championship on Sunday, headlined by an impressive solo second-place finish from 17-year-old amateur Marisa Tojai.
In a world-class field featuring major champions, the teenager displayed nerves of steel at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), relying on accurate approach play and steady putting to finish runner-up behind defending champion Miyu Yamashita.
While the tied-third finish carried an official prize payout of US$200,016 (RM811,705), amateur status regulations meant Marisa was ineligible to collect the prize money, which was redistributed among the professionals.
However, the Thai sensation insisted the experience was far more valuable than the financial reward.
“I gained so much experience over these four days,” Marisa said.
“I learned a lot from the few mistakes I made, and I will use that to develop further. This week proved that my game is right there. It was just a matter of dropping a few shots here and there.”
Marisa’s heroics were matched by her childhood friend and fellow Thai Achiraya Sriwong, who produced one of the lowest rounds of the tournament on Sunday morning.
Grouped alongside major champions and former Maybank Championship winners Celine Boutier and Yin Ruoning, Achiraya fired a blistering seven-under-par 65 to finish on 16-under 272, claiming sixth position.
Her performance earned US$124,539 (RM505,404) had she competed as a professional.
Unfazed by her illustrious playing partners, Achiraya’s immediate reaction after signing her scorecard was to sprint out into the sweltering afternoon gallery to walk the fairways and cheer on Marisa in the final group.
“We grew up together in the national team, shared rooms, played practice rounds together, and did everything as a team,” said Achiraya.
“I had so much fun today playing my own game, and as soon as I finished, I just wanted to go out and cheer for Nong Yim (Marisa) to try and win it.”
Achiraya’s remarkable finish also came with a sense of urgency, as the teenager headed straight from the course to Kuala Lumpur International Airport to catch an afternoon flight for LPGA Qualifying School.
Asked what fuels the dominance of Thai women’s golf across the region, Achiraya credited former world No. 1 Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul for inspiring the next generation.
“Jeeno is the idol for every single one of us,” she said.
“All the older players who turned professional before me showed us the path, and we just want to follow in their footsteps and be as good as them.”