She’s the electrifying golf sensation who sends social media in Thailand into a frenzy whenever she’s in contention.
With two professional wins on the Thai LPGA, a near victory at the Webex Series event on the Murray in February, and a strong showing at last week’s WPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET) co-sanctioned tournament, the Australian Women’s Classic in Coffs Harbour, Cholcheva (or to all who know here in Thai as Arpo) Wongras has already made a name for herself.
This week, she’s one of the marquee players at the Ford Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club, and no one would be surprised if she lifts the Jan Stephenson Trophy at the Golf NSW Championship on Sunday.
Tomorrow, the teenager will celebrate a special milestone: her coming-of-age 18th birthday.
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She’ll take it in her stride with her caddy/coach Chao and a handful of fellow Thai professionals around to mark the occasion. Nothing fazes her.
“It’s just one day—I’m just getting older,” she said with a maturity and focus that belies her age.
“I’ll go out and have fun on the course on my birthday. Birthdays are important for our parents in Thai culture. You always celebrate with them every year, but I won’t be able to do that this time.
“If they could be here, that would be really good, but it’s okay. I’m going back home in the first week of April, so I’ll see them then. They’ll be video calling me for sure.”
Between calls from family and hundreds of messages from fans on Instagram and Facebook, Arpo has been studying the links-style layout at Wollongong GC—and she likes what she sees.
“The greens here are quite small, so hitting them and making putts will be key,” she said.
“My putter is working well, and the greens here are in great shape.
“Hopefully, my putting stays solid throughout the week.
“I walked the course yesterday, and it was pretty windy. Hopefully, it stays calm, but if it gets gusty, I’ll just embrace the wind and trust it.”
Last week in Coffs Harbour, Arpo spoke about her dream of playing alongside her childhood hero, 12-time worldwide winner Sarah Kemp—who rolled back the years with a stunning eight-under masterclass in the second round.
Arpo sadly didn’t get the chance to play with Kempy in the final round, but she made sure she had a selfie with the LPGA veteran for her ever-growing fans on social media.
Her dream could still come true at the final event of the Australian swing.
Until then, her birthday wish is simple: “To get a win here in Wollongong.” A breakthrough victory on the LET in just her third start — and all the gifts that come with it — would be the icing on the cake.
Wongras tees off at 8:47 am tomorrow in a headlining group alongside current Australian Women’s Amateur Champion Rachel Lee and two-time Women’s NSW Open Champion Meghan MacLaren.
