Thailand's Jasmine Blooms at Royal Troon

Troon, Scotland: Former Faldo Series Asia (FSA) winner Thidapa ‘Jasmine’ Suwannapura made a major statement of intent with a runner-up finish in the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.

Since winning the Girls title at the 2010 FSA Grand Final, Thidapa has gone on to savour success twice on the LPGA Tour after making a remarkable recovery from a broken back in 2016 that she feared would end her career.

With an expertly compiled closing four-under-par 67 over the famous Ayrshire links on Sunday, the Thai posted her best-ever Major finish, ending two strokes behind triumphant German Sophia Popov.

Sir Nick Faldo said: “It’s tremendous to see so many former Faldo Series competitors faring so well on the elite professional stage. I’m especially delighted to see Thidapa perform at such a high level after overcoming a severe injury setback.”

It was during a practice round at the 2016 Kingsmill Championship that Thidapa suffered a broken back, incurred while swinging a club. It led to her being sidelined for six months for surgery and rehab.

Speaking after the final round at Royal Troon, 27-year-old Thidapa said: “My doctor told me if I didn’t have surgery I’d be in a wheelchair. I just went along (with what the doctor said), but I didn’t think I would play golf again, never mind to win (on the LPGA Tour) in 2018 and 2019 and finish second this week. I’m just grateful to be here.

“I just did my best, to be honest. I tried to play my own game and make some putts, make some birdies. The golf course was not that easy, so I was pleased to play well. I hit a lot of good shots and made a lot of putts. Overall, I’m happy about this week, playing Royal Troon in Scotland, one of the best courses.”

Thidapa’s feel-good comeback was not the only heartwarming story at Royal Troon with Popov overcoming extraordinary odds to capture the title.

The 27-year-old, who came into the championship ranked 304th in the world and without a main Tour victory, secured the winner’s cheque of US$675,000. She’s the first German to win a women’s Major championship.

Australian Minjee Lee ended third with Korean Park In-bee, the 2015 champion, fourth.

Popov, who qualified for the AIG Women’s Open at the Marathon Classic two weeks ago, can now enjoy a life-changing triumph after her superb play in Scotland.

An emotional Popov, whose previous appearance in the AIG Women’s Open was as an amateur in 2011, said: “It feels amazing. There's a lot of hard work behind it, and a lot of struggles that I went through the last six years, especially health-wise [Lyme disease]. I’m glad I stuck with it.

“I knew my game was in really good shape. I know anything’s possible and I think I took that belief with me to every round, but I never expected this. I was nervous the whole round and I’m just glad I could get it done.

“I guess it is an incredible story and I think, just personally for me, that’s why I broke down on the 18th hole because it’s something I couldn’t have dreamed of just a week ago.”