Ariya Jutanugarn

Ariya Jutanugarn was born on November 23, 1995, in Bangkok, Thailand. She grew up in a family passionate about golf and began playing at a young age. Her sister, Moriya, is also a professional golfer. They both were encouraged by their parents to take up the sport and quickly showed promise, leading to a successful junior golf career. Ariya would go on to become one of the top golfers in the world, known for her powerful swing and competitive spirit.

Ariya Jutanugarn achieved her first LPGA Tour top-five finish during the Honda LPGA Thailand in February 2013. She was still a rookie on the tour and made an impressive showing by holding the lead after the second and third rounds. Despite a tough final round, she managed to finish tied for fourth place. This performance put Ariya in the spotlight and marked the beginning of her rise in the world of professional golf.

In December 2014, Ariya Jutanugarn suffered a major setback when a fall while playing at the LPGA Tour's qualifying school led to a significant shoulder injury. This injury required surgery and several months of rehabilitation, halting her budding career on tour. The injury was a challenge both physically and mentally, testing her resolve and patience as she worked hard to recover and regain her form. The incident was a lesson in resilience and perseverance for the young golfer.

Ariya Jutanugarn secured her first LPGA Tour win at the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic in May 2016. Her victory was historic as she became the first Thai golfer to win on the LPGA Tour. This win marked the start of an extraordinary season for Ariya, where she showcased her exceptional talent and competitive spirit. The win was a major breakthrough in her career, establishing her as one of the top players in the world and inspiring many young golfers in Thailand.

Ariya Jutanugarn made history by winning her first major championship at the 2016 Ricoh Women's British Open. She became the first golfer from Thailand, male or female, to win a major. Her win at Woburn Golf Club was significant not only for her career but also for Thai golf, inspiring a new generation of players. Ariya's powerful play and clutch putting under pressure earned her a two-shot victory over the field in this prestigious event.

On June 11, 2017, Ariya Jutanugarn became the number one ranked player in the Women's World Golf Rankings. This achievement made her the first Thai golfer to reach the top of the world rankings. Her rise to the top was the result of consistent performances, including multiple wins on the LPGA Tour. Becoming the world number one was a testament to Ariya's skill, hard work, and determination, solidifying her place among the elite in women's golf.

Ariya Jutanugarn won her second major title at the 2018 U.S. Women's Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in women's golf. Her victory came after a tense playoff against Hyo-Joo Kim, where Ariya demonstrated her mental resolve and exceptional skill. The win reaffirmed her status as one of the top players in the world and highlighted her ability to perform under intense pressure. Her triumph at Shoal Creek was a significant milestone in her career.

In November 2018, Ariya Jutanugarn was awarded the prestigious Rolex Player of the Year award, recognizing her as the best player on the LPGA Tour for that year. Her season included three tournament victories and top ten finishes in all five major championships. This accolade was a reflection of her dominance in the 2018 season and her consistent performance throughout. The Player of the Year award further cemented her legacy as one of the top female golfers in history.

Ariya Jutanugarn capped off an impressive 2018 season by winning the Race to CME Globe, securing a $1 million bonus. This achievement cemented her place as the leading player of the LPGA tour that year. The Race to CME Globe is a season-long points competition that rewards consistency and excellence in performance over the year. Winning it along with the Player of the Year award highlighted her exceptional skill and competitiveness and made 2018 a landmark year for her career.

In May 2021, Ariya Jutanugarn won the Honda LPGA Thailand, a significant victory considering the event's location in her home country. This win was particularly meaningful as it was her first LPGA victory in nearly three years. Ariya held her nerve to complete a final round of 63, surging from a four-stroke deficit and clinching the title by a single shot. This victory was a heartwarming moment for Thai fans and signified her return to form after struggling with injuries and form.