Thai golf sensation Patty Tavatanakit does not have to look far for inspiration as she draws positive energy from the presence of American superstar Taylor Swift, who is currently captivating audiences in Singapore.
As the 24-year-old readies herself for the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open (HFGSWO) which tees off on Thursday, she is also facing the challenge of battling fatigue as she prepares for her fourth successive tournament- her second in as many weeks in Singapore.
However, her determination remains steadfast, with no intention of easing off as she returns to action at Tanah Merah Country Club- eager to add another feather to her already impressive cap of late.
Following her consecutive triumphs at the Aramco Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour (LET) in Saudi Arabia and the LPGA Tour’s Honda LPGA Thailand in Pattaya, Patty is now setting her sights on conquering the KLPGA Tour. Patty certainly didn’t take her foot off the gas, impressing yet again with a tied-eighth finish last week.
Amidst her intense schedule, Patty took a well-deserved break in the Lion City to attend Swift’s Eras Tour. Reflecting on the electrifying concert, she revealed that it was more than just a night of entertainment. It was a source of inspiration, courtesy of Swift’s infectious energy and unwavering passion.
“I went to the Taylor Swift concert on Sunday and it was amazing. While I had fun, I also learnt a lot of things,” said Patty at the tournament’s official press conference on Wednesday.
“She’s a great performer, and it’s a three-hour-long concert. It has to be somewhat tiring for her at some point, but she showed up every single night.
“To be honest, I’m not feeling 100 percent, this is my fourth week playing, but I’m going to do everything I can to be able to show up and compete at 100 percent.”
Patty will be determined to make a strong push for this goal as the tournament offers her a rare opportunity to do so as the season-opener of the 2024 KLPGA Tour.
In the midst of her peak form, Patty serves as a compelling example of how perseverance pays off.
After nearly three years of grappling to capitalise on her stunning Major triumph at the 2021 ANA Inspiration, which catapulted her to prominence, Patty believes that things are finally falling into place.
The last time she competed in a KLPGA Tour event, Patty came close to victory with a joint runner-up finish at the Hana Financial Group Championship in Incheon last year, after engaging in a three-way playoff with eventual winner Lee Da-yeon and Australian star Minjee Lee.
“To be able to compete in a KLPGA event and represent Hana Financial Group this week, I know it would mean a lot to them if I could win at their event and represent them at the same time,” said Patty.
“It’s such an important event for them to grow the game in the Asia Pacific. As someone who is part of Asia Pacific, I feel honoured to be here and represent Thailand and hopefully, this event can grow and bring a lot more players to the world stage.”
Patty can expect stiff competition from a host of KLPGA Tour stars, including defending champion Park Ji-young, last year’s KLPGA Tour Money List winner Lee Ye-won, KLPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Kim Min-byeol, as well as other emerging regional talents such as Ashley Lau of Malaysia and Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines.
Park has expressed her excitement ahead of her title defence mission.
“I’m very happy to be back in Singapore. As the defending champion, I’m definitely looking forward to it and I’m also very well-prepared,” said Park.
Lee, meanwhile, is determined to conquer the challenging Tampines Course and vie for her first tournament victory abroad. Last year, she asserted her dominance on the KLPGA Tour by clinching three titles and finishing as runner-up four times.
“Coming to this season, I feel like my shots on average have been doing quite well. So I’m definitely really looking forward to it,” said Lee.
“I think for this course, after the tee shot the second shot is even more important.
You really have to read and analyse the whole course properly. So that’s why I think that would be the part I will be focusing more on.”
