The success of an athlete often relies on the unwavering support of their loved ones. For professional golfers, having a strong support system can be the difference between victory and defeat. This is particularly evident in the case of Atthaya Thitikul, a rising star in the golfing world. Born on February 20, 2003, in Ratchaburi, Thailand, Thitikul’s journey to golfing stardom began at a young age, thanks to the encouragement of her parents. Thitikul’s father played a pivotal role in introducing her to golf, giving her the option to choose between golf and tennis when she was just six years old.

This decision would change the course of her life, setting her on a path to becoming one of the most promising young golfers in the world. With her parent’s unwavering support, Thitikul has gone on to achieve numerous accolades, including becoming the world’s number-one female golfer and winning multiple titles on the LPGA Tour. Her parents’ influence has not only shaped her golfing career but also her personal identity.

Thitikul’s nickname “Jeeno” is a testament to her parents’ cultural heritage and their desire to acknowledge her father’s Chinese roots. According to Thitikul, her mother originally gave her the nickname “Jeen”, which roughly translates to “Chinese people” in Thai. Thitikul’s mother, who is 100 percent Thai, wanted to acknowledge her husband’s roots, and the nickname has stuck ever since, with her coach later adding the “o” to make it “Jeeno”.

This nickname has become an integral part of Thitikul’s identity, and she has recently decided to go by “Jeeno” professionally, a move that highlights the significance of her parents’ influence on her life and career.

Atthaya Thitikul says her parents are “fully supportive”

Atthaya Thitikul’s rapid rise to golfing stardom is a testament to her hard work and dedication. But Thitikul is quick to acknowledge the role played by her parents in her success. “They are fully supportive,” she says, highlighting the importance of her family’s backing in her golfing journey. Thitikul’s parents have been instrumental in nurturing her golfing talent from a young age. She recalls how she never dreamed of being a golfer as a kid, but once she started playing, she was hooked.

“When I was a kid, I never dreamed of being a golfer, but once I started playing, it was fun and I got to work out,” she says. Her parents’ support has given her the freedom to pursue her passion without pressure or expectation. Today, Thitikul is one of the most promising young golfers in the world, with 14 tournament wins under her belt, including two on the LPGA Tour and four on the Ladies European Tour. Her ambition, she says, is to continue gaining experience and making a name for herself in the golfing world. “My ambition is to play in a big event like the LPGA tour abroad once to gain life experience for myself,” she says, highlighting her desire to take her golfing career to the next level.