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Published on October 16, 2007

The Purdue University graduate, who will be going to the US qualifying school at the end of the year, is one of the Thai golfers hoping to make their mark in the world-class event.

The Thai lass, who has had a breakthrough year on the Future circuit, is looking forward to the event.

"My goal is to test my level before I enter the LPGA qualifying school in Daytona Beach in December,'' said Onnarin, who was No 11 on the Future Tour rankings. "A good showing here will definitely boost my confidence."

The 23-year-old Thai, whose 45th-placed finish was the highest among the local challengers in the country's richest women's golf competition last year at the Amata Spring Country Club, has practised on the course four times and is aware of the tough task lying ahead.

"The course is quite tricky. The greens are tough, especially on the ninth and 17th holes,'' said the Bangkokian, who has just started working with a new personal trainer, Aussie Daniel Romen.

Though all eyes will be on Thai ace Virada Nirapath-pongporn, the pressure on Ornnarin to perform will be immense. This is primarily due to her outstanding form, which included the Future title in the Iloveny Championships in Albany, New York, in September and topping the qualifying field for a berth in the US Open.

"I am beginning to feel pressured a bit, but my friends tell me not to think about it much. I hope to hit two under every day and end inside the top 15,'' she said.

Ornnarin will have her hands full in a stellar field which features world No 2 Suzann Petterson, Paula Creamer (ranked third), Seon Hwa Lee (sixth), US Open champion Morgan Pressel (seventh) and Angela Park (ninth).

"It's good to have a lot of strong players here, as it's not easy to play in the same tournament with them. It's a big test for me before moving on to the LPGA level."

Ariya Jutanugarn and Thitiya Prueksathaporn took the top two spots in the qualifying round at Khao Kiow yesterday.

Ariya, at only 11 years 11 months and still playing at the amateur level, will make her debut in the LPGA as the youngest player in its history.

"I never expected to be given a chance to play my first LPGA event. I will do my best and try to finish in the top 50,'' said Ariya - nicknamed "May" - who won the Optimist International Junior Gold Championship in Florida in July and was runner-up in the Junior World Golf Championship in San Diego.

 Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation

CHON BURI