3 weeks ago
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It's not every day that a young tour professional golfer admits they've thought about quitting the game so early in their career, but that's exactly what 25-year-old Patty Tavatanakit revealed on October 30. The Thai golf sensation, who now calls Orlando, Florida, her home, confessed in her Aramco Team Series Finals pre-tournament press conference that there have been moments over the past two years when she considered giving up. However, an unexpected source of inspiration helped her refocus and reignite her passion for the sport.
Earlier this year, Tavatanakit attended a Taylor Swift concert in Singapore, where the pop princess's performance left a lasting impression on her. Watching Swift, who performed multiple times a week, Tavatanakit saw parallels between the demands of being a global pop star and a professional golfer. "There must be some nights where she just does not feel like it, she wants to call it quits, but she can't disappoint all those people," Tavatanakit reflected. This realization made her understand her own responsibility to her fans and sponsors.
Adding to the excitement of Taylor Swift's concert in Singapore was the presence of K-pop superstar Lisa from BLACKPINK, who was spotted enjoying the performance from VIP seats. The global icon's attendance at the event generated a buzz among fans, as many are eager to see their favorite artists support each other across genres. Lisa's admiration for Swift is well-known, and witnessing the pop princess in action only fueled her passion for music and performance. This electrifying encounter between two of the biggest names in entertainment highlights the powerful influence of artists supporting one another, creating a memorable night for both Taylor's fans and Lisa's devoted followers.
Despite her success, Tavatanakit has experienced inconsistent form over the past two years. Speaking candidly at the Aramco Team Series Finals in Riyadh, she admitted to having a 'love-hate relationship' with golf. "This is only my fifth year on tour, and I'm already contemplating if I actually love golf," she confessed. "But I do it as a job. What drives me is being successful, setting goals, and trying to achieve them. Over the past two years, I was really lost, questioning why I was playing."
Rising from a prodigy to a Major champion
Tavatanakit's rapid rise in the golfing world began with her victory at the 2014 ANA Inspiration, a major championship, in her rookie year. She was also named the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year on the LPGA Tour that same year. As an amateur, she was a child golfing prodigy, winning the 2014 Callaway Junior World Golf Championship and being named Thailand Amateur Ladies Golf Association Player of the Year in 2015/2016.
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