Hua Hin, Thailand: Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat has been getting plenty of attention since making his Asian Tour debut late last year.
Last weekend, the Thai teenager again performed with distinction, claiming a share of 11th place in the International Series Thailand at Black Mountain Golf Club, the first of the ground-breaking new 10-event International Series.
As an amateur, TK, who turned 15 last week, is ineligible to receive prize money. But how much would his efforts of the past four months have earned him if he’d been competing as a member of the play-for-pay ranks?
After two solid events in Phuket in late November and early December 2021, he nearly won The Singapore International in January having held the lead early on the back nine on Sunday. He eventually finished solo-third for his best Asian Tour finish to date.
Last week, the teen titan was sitting in tied-eight position after a nine-under-par 63 in the third round. He missed out on recording his second Asian Tour top-10 by one shot.
Based on the six Asian Tour events in which TK has competed, his earnings would have been:
· Blue Canyon Phuket Championship: tied 15th, US$12,670
· Laguna Phuket Championship: tied 30th, US$7,925
· The Singapore International: third, US$63,000
· SMBC Singapore Open: tied 34th, US$8,625
· PIF Saudi International Powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers: 71st, US$10,500
· International Series Thailand: tied 11th, US$23,145
Hypothetically, his total earnings amount to US$125,865.
Although he’s not able to receive cash for his current exploits, his standing in the world of golf continues to grow.
In the Official World Golf Ranking which measures the performances of players in professional events, TK has soared to a career-high 439th, sixth among Thais, behind only Sadom Kaewkanjana (126th); Phachara Khongwatmai (161st); Kiradech Aphibarnrat (234th); Jazz Janewattananond (236th) and Settee Prakongvech (431st).
In the World Amateur Golf Ranking, he started last week in 44th place and is projected to make it into the top-40 based on his latest outing when the new rankings are issued tomorrow. He is the leading Thai in the standings.
