Phatlum gunning for a third Hero Women’s Indian Open title

Gurgaon, November 29, 2012: Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum may be dressed up by Loudmouth Golf – the manufacturer endorsed by John Daly – but she is anything but that. On Thursday, the shy and soft-spoken Phatlum makes her sixth straight appearance in the Hero Women’s Indian Open, which she considers as her favourite event. There is good reason for that.

After finishing tied 30^th in her first appearance as a 17-year-old in the first Indian Open in 2007, she emerged triumphant in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 she was tied sixth and in 2011 she was second to Caroline Hedwall.

Phatlum, who turns 23 two days after the end of the 2012 Hero Women’s Indian Open, now wants an early birthday present and become the first woman to win the title three times – in fact she is the only to win the Indian Open more than once.

Phatlum, 23,  hails from Chaiyaphun, a satellite town near Chiangmai in north Thailand. She said, “There’s no pressure on me. My game is on song and I like playing in India. There is a chance for me to go for my third win, this explains why I’m here – to make it happen.”

Having played 27 events on the US LPGA this season, Phatlum only missed the cut six times. “Playing in the US LPGA has made me a better player. The courses are tough, the greens are sleek and tough and there are good players,” said Phatlum, who won the HSBC LPGA Brasil Cup 2012 and recorded top-15 finishes in two other events.

She added, “Don’t forget, there are strong players taking part in this event too. The Hero Women’s India Open always holds a special place in my heart. I hope my form and my mental strength will help me win once more to put my name on the record books.”

Phatlum, 55^th on the LPGA Tour, wants to get into top10 in a year or two. “I want to be part of that force from Asia. So, winning a joint-sanctioned event by Ladies Asian Golf Tour and Ladies European Tour will justify my actions,” said Phatlum.