World No. 9 Atthaya Thitikul insists she is not under pressure to live up to her reputation as the highest-ranked player when she makes her debut in the Simone Asia-Pacific Cup, which commences on Thursday in Jakarta, Indonesia.
While most of the world's best players are taking a brief competition hiatus following a hectic season, the 20-year-old Thai, a two-time LPGA Tour winner, had little qualms about making one last appearance at the Pondok Indah Golf Course (PIGC) before 2023 brings down its curtain.
All Atthaya wanted to do was to "have fun" with her teammate and fellow LPGA Tour competitor Jaravee Boonchant and do Thailand proud in the US$750,000 event, which features a unique format where players compete for both individual and team glory.
Atthaya, also fondly known by her nickname 'Jean', is fully aware that she's going to face strong competition.
The other notable names in the 58-woman field are world No. 17 and six-time LPGA Tour winner Nasa Hataoka of Japan, along with Korean LPGA Tour stars Da-yeon Lee, So-young Lee, Hee-jeong Lim, Min-byeol Kim, and You-min Hwang.
"I don’t really have pressure as I try not to think about the results. But it is my last event for the year so I’m just going to give it my best and just have fun with my team," said Atthaya, who had 13 top 10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season.
"I think there’s a lot of expectations of me at the moment but I think it should be fun, and PIGC is a good course and in good condition.
"I’m looking forward to playing at the Simone Asia-Pacific Cup, which is such a fun and interesting event, especially as we play as a team and as an individual at the same time.
"It is similar to how we’d play as an amateur, which makes it a lot of fun.
"I am excited to play with my teammate (Jaravee). The last time we played was back in Honda (LPGA Thailand in 2022). Since then, didn’t really get to play much together. So I’m excited that we play alongside her.
"Good food and good fun. That is our team chemistry!"
Hataoka was also honoured to be lending her star credentials to the Simone Asia-Pacific Cup, which forms part of the burgeoning Ladies Asian Tour Series, a brainchild of the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF).
"I’m so happy to be here. Like Japan and Korea, they have big tournaments but not so much in Indonesia and other Asian countries," said Hataoka, who came joint runner-up at the LPGA Tour's season-ending CME Group Tour Championship recently.
"Through this tournament, we can now have a big tournament in Indonesia, so I think it can be a big help for developing Asian countries in regards to women's golf.
"I want to showcase my ability to the fans this week."
Local top amateur Patricia Sinolungan is savouring another opportunity to compete against the region's best and vowed to make the most of her second appearance in the tournament.
Patricia, who plays collegiate golf in the United States, stole the limelight by finishing a creditable tied sixth to emerge as the low amateur.
"I just want to say thank you to the LAT Series, the AGLF, and Simone who worked together to bring the second edition of this tournament. This is such a tremendous opportunity to show our local talent here in Asia-Pacific," said Patricia.
"The region has produced great top players, and it would be great to see more people coming to watch how we grow even further.
"I’m competing against the greatest players I’ve played with so far, so I am only filled with gratitude and just looking forward to having fun and a great time.
"This event is so great for the Asia-Pacific region, and I’m hoping that a lot of people come watch and cheer as I will play my best to try and return the favour."
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