Former Thai Omega Dubai Ladies Masters winner Phatlum eyes more glory
Pornanong Phatlum will be hoping to tap into good vibes when she returns to compete in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at Emirates Golf Club from December 9 to 12.
The figurehead of women’s golf in Thailand, Phatlum has fond memories of the season-ending Ladies European Tour event she won on her debut in 2013 when she birdied the closing hole to beat Stacy Lewis of the US.
Drawing inspiration from her maiden success in Dubai, Phatlum will be targeting another shot at the title she needs to join the elite company of Swedish legend Annika Sorenstam and China’s Shanshan Feng, the only two two-time winners of the event since the inception of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in 2006.
“With a first and tied 11th, I have had a good run at the tournament, but would like to get back in the winner’s circle again,” said Phatlum, who has already crossed the $2 million mark in earnings since joining the LPGA Tour in 2009.
“I really enjoyed playing in Dubai, and winning it on my first visit made it even more special,” said the Chaiyaphum native, who celebrated her 26th birthday on Friday, December 4.
“Certainly, a strong finish, if not a victory, on my third visit to Dubai will be an ideal birthday present, but I am not too hung up on it. Of course, my goal is to win, but I can’t really control all of it.
“I have learned how to stay focused through meditation which I practice with my brother, who caddies for me,” said Phatlum, who boasts 11 professional wins, including two on the Ladies European Tour and nine on the Ladies Asian Tour.
“It will be great fun to be back in Dubai They have such a strong field every year and anyone can win at any time,” said Phatlum, who has been appointed by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as the brand ambassador for the Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise initiative which is aimed at building awareness of the kingdom as a world-class golf destination.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “Pornanong is incredibly talented and a wonderful addition to this year’s field. I really admire her strong work ethic that has made her one of the most exciting prospects in world golf.
“Her meteoric rise to fame is also a great reflection on Thailand’s investment in developing golf infrastructure and positioning the kingdom as one of the preferred destinations for golfers from around the world.
“I am confident that fans will turn out in large numbers to follow her progress. I wish her and all other competitors the very best.”
The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic are backed by OMEGA as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Neocasa Interiors and Motivate Publishing are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
