Despite being just 15 years of age, Pajaree Anannarukarn is a force to be reckoned with on the golf course.
As the latest debutante for Thailand's national golf team, her results in competition have qualified her for the 28th SEA Games, which will be held in Singapore from June 5-16.
Her goal for her first SEA Games is simple and straightforward.
"I will try to do my best to support my team and perform to the best of my abilities," she said. "And of course, I am focused on getting a gold medal, but I will try not to pressure myself about it. What is important is that I go out there to enjoy and play my game."
Currently a 10th grader at the American School of Bangkok, Pajaree became interested in golf while watching her father, Veerapol, play with his friends. She began to play at age five. By the time she was nine, Pajaree was competing in tournaments. Since then, the chirpy teen has enjoyed a number of wins, the biggest of which was at the 4th Singha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship 2014. She also took home the Low Amateur trophy at the Thailand LPGA Masters in 2013.
Pajaree credits much of her success to the support of her parents and coaches. She oozes charm and poise, on and off the course — where the teen has also become known for her fashion statements, particularly patterned and multicoloured bows, which she matches with her outfits. She also uses cute ball markers. Matching bracelets and earrings — nothing too flashy, but chic enough to garner attention — are also par for the course.
Pajaree said many female golfers, national players and professionals, put serious thought into fashion.
"Of course women players want to look their best on and off the golf course. That also goes for me. It is not enough to just play well. I also want to dress well. Having a good sense of dress should go hand in glove with a good attitude. This is what I was taught at an early age by my elders, which has helped me when I compete. When I wear my favourite matching outfits and accessories, I seem to have an added amount of confidence," she said.
"Bows are my top choice, because they make my attire look more colourful. The bows I use are small but long. I use three to tie my hair into a ponytail. Bracelets, on the other hand, are my favourite accessories, because I have been using them since I was a kid. If you look closely, you can observe a lot of golfers today wearing sport bracelets. Not only do they look fashionable, but some also have health benefits," she added.
Pajaree trains daily for three hours after school. On weekends, she might practise all day. She enjoys practising her approach shots, tee shots and putting. She considers her short game and putting weak points — and two aspects of the game that are very important to the outcome of a tournament.
Among her favourite female pro golfers are Thailand's Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn. She said they are role models to many Asian players because of their numerous achievements. She also admires American golfer Paula Creamer.
"Paula is a great player both on and off the golf course. She has a really good attitude and also looks great. Her golfing skills are impeccable, while her dress sense is to be commended. She has a great attitude towards her fans, as well."
Pajaree said her most memorable competition to date is her win at the Low Amateur trophy at the Thailand LPGA Masters in 2013.
"This tournament was my most memorable because I didn't expect to win," she said. "Deep in my heart, I wanted to win badly, but tried not to put pressure on myself. I just tried to play one shot at a time and focus on my game as much as possible.
"I had a shaky start and was two or three strokes behind the leader. However, the most amazing thing happened when I came out on the back nine — I went on to win the last four holes. The big moment was when I was on the 18th hole. I made a long birdie putt to tie and get into the play-off, which I eventually won."
Pajaree's motto is simple: "No matter what's going to happen, whether bad or good, I have to accept it. This is my choice, so I've got to live with it. I don't believe in quitting."
