Virada out to improve next year
[GOLF] Thai player Virada Nirapathpongporn plans to work on her mental approach and turn over a new leaf in 2007 after a series of dismal results in the second half of this season.
The 24-year-old LPGA tour rookie admitted she has been down after her poor showing in the recent Honda LPGA Thailand tournament where she finished a poor 54th in a field of 60. Ranked 72 on the LPGA money list, the Orlando-based player finished with a disappointing 10-over 226. Her poor result came after she missed nine cuts from 18 tournaments in 2006. "I have been in a low period. When I keep playing bad, it's hard to fight my way back to the level that I used to play,'' said Virada, who has earned US$133,568 this year. "In terms of ability, everybody on the tour is close. But it's the mental condition that makes the difference. I've learned from my rookie year that I have to be mentally tougher,'' added the Thai ace, who had her brother Ekapak caddying for her last week. After a fine start in the first half of the season where she finished inside the top 20 in four tournaments - 15th in the Mastercard Classic, 12th in the Ginn Clubs & Resort Open, 19th in the Sybase Classic and 5th in the LPGA Corning Classic - Virada, who is nicknamed "NP3", has been down in the dumps in the second half of the season and missed three successive cuts on her way to her home event. The Thai said too much golf and spending time away from her family over the past two years had taken a toll on her. "I didn't have much chance to spend time with my family, especially my brother who works in Australia. I will stay with him for a while and train there before I start the new season in February,'' she said. Despite her poor form, two things keep Virada on track - the huge support from her fans and the devotion of her family. "I'm surprised and at the same time overwhelmed to see so many fans, no matter how bad I play and no matter how hot it is," she said. "And when I feel discouraged I always think about my family, especially my dad,'' added Virada, whose father Apichart passed away last year after a battle with cancer. Golf fans to name course nGolf lovers from across the globe are to be given the chance next month to name the new course being constructed at Saint Andrews in Scotland, the historical home of the sport. The Saint Andrews Links Trust is inviting golf fans to e-mail in their suggestions for the title of the seventh course to be built in the east of Scotland seaside town.
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam The Nation
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