Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul Makes History as World No. 1 Golfer at 19 Years Old

BY: Michelle Liew

Thai teenage golfer Atthaya Thitikul became the second youngest world number one in women's golf history after her first year on the LPGA Tour.

Thitikul, 19, who has won twice on the tour this year and collected 12 top ten finishes, edged out South Korea’s Ko Jin-young for the position.

Jin-young has been top ranked since January but recently injured her wrist and had to withdraw from last month's BMW Women's Championship after two rounds.

Atthaya is the second player under the age of 20 to become number one - New Zealand's Lydia Ko did it at the age of 17. Ko is currently ranked third in the world.

"It means a lot to the team, my family, my supporters and myself. It's an honour to be at the top of the world's best group.

"I still have a lot to learn from the current legends and players, both on and off the field.”

"I will continue to work hard for my family, team, fans and country," said Atthaya, who will play in the LPGA Japan Classic as the number one player for the first time this week.

She managed to finishe sixth place in South Korea two weeks ago.

Atthaya previously made history by winning the 2017 Thailand Championship when she was 14 years old.