Moments After Chanettee Wannasaen’s $225,000 Breakthrough, Mind-Boggling Reality About the 19-Year-Old Phenom Comes to the Fore

The 2022-23 golf season is quickly coming to an end with a handful of events remaining. Chanettee Wannasaen made the most of the Portland Classic to score her maiden win in her rookie year. The 19-year-old golfer turned pro in 2021 but earned her LPGA Tour card in 2023. She faced tremendous ups and downs this year but ultimately made it to the top of the leaderboard.

Wannasaen claimed the title at the Portland Classic on Sunday along with $225,000 in earnings. This tournament turned out to be her breakthrough point after the disappointing finishes all year. Let’s take a closer look at the Thai golf pro’s run in the LPGA Tour.

Chanettee Wannasaen may have turned her career around

Since receiving her LPGA Tour card, the 19-year-old golfer from Thailand has played in several events. However, luck was not on her side and she missed the cut in more than 75% of them. She only made it to the weekend finals in three events, the Portland Classic being one of them.

Golf Analyst Justin Ray pointed out that she “missed her previous 8 stroke play cuts.” But this week was a turning point for the young pro. Not only did she clinch her maiden title after a series of disappointing finishes, she also made a significant contribution to LPGA history. “She made 30 birdies/eagles this week in her win after Monday qualifying — tying the 2nd-most over 72 holes in LPGA history,” said Ray.

In round 1, Wannasaen made 6 birdies and 2 bogeys to finish with a 4-under 68 on the par-72 golf course. She made the cut with 8 birdies and 2 bogeys. By the end of round 3, the Thai golfer maintained her pace with another 8 birdies and only 1 bogey on the 3rd.  Come round 4, she finished with a bogey-free 9-under 63 that constituted 7 birdies and 1 spectacular eagle on the 5th. This is the 2nd best streak of birdies and eagles on the LPGA Tour.

Her astounding finish with 26-under at the end of the final round put her 4 strokes ahead of Xiyu Lin who finished in second place.  Wannasaen set a beautiful example for her fans that no matter how badly things are going, one can turn their luck around with persistence.

Why Wannasaen’s win came as such a surprise to the golfing world

The Thai pro’s performance this year has not been as it was in her amateur years or at Q-school. In her first 2 events, she finished T51 and T57 and took home only $10,000 in earnings. Missing the majority of cuts, including the tri-sanctioned event at the ISPS Handa World Invitational, the golf community had very little hope from her.

Also Read: Moments After Chanettee Wannasaen’s Entry Into the Three Member Elite Club, Veteran LPGA Pro Shows No Bad Blood but Compassion for the 19-Year- Old

However, Wannasaen fought for her dream as she maintained a steady pace in Portland, Oregon, and overcame her career hurdle. Not only did she make the cut but she claimed the title over prominent names on the ladies’ circuit.

Do you find Wannasaen’s story inspiring? How do you feel about her maiden win? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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