TK Takes Aim at Ultimate Birthday Present

Hua Hin, Thailand: Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat turns 15 on Friday, aiming for victory in this week’s International Series Thailand at Black Mountain Golf Club and the ultimate birthday present.

“The goal is to win. I have been close. I have been up there. I am going to try and do it this week,” said the Thai amateur sensation.

TK has taken the Asian Tour by storm since making his debut at the end of last year in the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship. He hasn’t missed a cut in five starts and came close to winning The Singapore International at Tanah Merah Country Club in January, finishing in third place, two shots shy of a sudden-death play-off won by Korean Kim Joo-hyung.

On the back of his recent performances, TK has risen to 43rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

TK chose to skip last week’s Royal’s Cup to prepare for this week’s US$1.5 million event, which is the first of 10 ground-breaking new International Series events this year.

“I had a week off last week so I could catch up on schoolwork, and I spent my time here at Black Mountain. I have been practicing on the course,” he said.

“Yesterday I played much better than the past week. I am actually hitting quality shots as I am more focused because it’s tournament week, and I am in the zone.”

Despite having the opportunity to practice at Black Mountain the Thai youngster admits winning this week will be difficult as he foresees some low scores being shot.

“Low scoring courses aren’t my thing,” he said. “I am kind of like a Tanah Merah guy where it’s hard and fun, but I am going to try my best. I played okay yesterday. I have been practicing a lot for the past week. I feel pretty good.”

Despite all the attention he’s been receiving he says he is still enjoying the moment. He added: “I like talking. I love interviews. It’s all good right now.”

After this week, TK plans to play in some junior tournaments and has IGCSE tests to take. He says he’s been ‘doing a lot of tutoring’.