Aspiring Thai golfers Kan Bunnabodee, Sherman Santiwiwattanaphong and Onkanok Soisuwan will spearhead Thailand’s challenge at the Women’s China Open from Oct 17-19, with hopes of following in the footsteps of World No.1 and compatriot, Jeeno Thitikul.
The trio will be part of a strong Thai contingent eyeing success at the China LPG Tour’s flagship event, which will be staged for the first time in Shanghai at the famed Enhance Anting Golf Club.
Kan, 23, turned professional last season after spending five years at Purdue University in the US, and the former national teammate of Jeeno has already enjoyed a breakthrough on the China LPG Tour after winning the Qualifying School in 2024 and recording multiple top-10 finishes.
“Seeing her success on the LPGA Tour, I’m really proud of her,” Kan said of Jeeno, whose rise to fame includes five wins each on the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour.
“There was a time when we were close [in playing standard] but she’s now on the LPGA Tour and the world No.1. It kind of motivates me that maybe I can do it too. I must work harder than before,” added Kan, who is a one-time Thai LPGA Tour champion.
This year, Kan has enjoyed a third-place finish in China and is now eyeing a title tilt at the Women’s China Open in what will be her debut appearance. “Every famous golfer and legends like Park Sung-Hyung of Korea have played and won this tournament and I want to follow in their footsteps,” said Kan.
“The way the CLPG Tour runs its tournaments, it is shaping me into a good golfer. It shows what I need to work on and knowing the winner of the Order of Merit [CLPG Tour Points List] gets onto the Korean LPGA Tour is a big incentive. It offers a career stepping stone.”
Sherman, 28, brings valuable experience after previously competing on the LPGA Tour. She captured the China LPG Tour Points List title in 2023 and is currently second on this season’s ranking, thanks to five top-10 finishes.
“I would love to get back to the LPGA. China has really good tournaments and challenging golf courses. It almost feels like my second home now,” said Sherman. “Every week I try to win — and lifting the Women’s China Open trophy would be special.”
Onkanok, 24, has also been working her way up the China LPG Tour in pursuit of her LPGA Tour dream. She says Jeeno’s rise has inspired an entire generation of Thai golfers.
“She makes us work harder to be like her. When I don’t play well, she will say, there’s always tomorrow. You have to take it step by step to chase your dream and I’m chasing the dream. Whether it’s playing on the CLPG Tour, or other tours in the region, I’ll take it step by step,” said Onkanok.