A boy among the pros at the Thailand Open
Nicknamed "Jazz" when he was just three, Atiwit Janewattananond always knew he would be destined for greatness.
But when his fervent piano playing did not pan out, Atiwit looked to a future in sport instead of music.
Just like any kid, he ran about with friends in playgrounds and happily took to swimming and football. He relished the physical challenges both sports presented but something was missing.
Then came that one fateful morning on the St James Golf Resort near Bangkok.
He was just eight and his real purpose for following Dad to his game was to drive his buggy. That was the day that changed his life forever.
"I really want to be a professional player," says Atiwit passionately. "I love everything about golf, there is not one aspect I do not like. It is such an individual game - you can immerse yourself in it."
Born and bred in Bangkok, Atiwit is now a mere 14-years-old. He made headlines when he became one of the youngest golfers to make the cut of a professional Asian golf tournament in February, and is earmarked for great things on Thailand's national team.
This week, Atiwit is one of six Thai amateurs playing in the Thailand Open which has teed off at the Burapha Golf Club in Chon Buri, one of the country’s most popular venues for tournament golf. The prestigious championship makes its debut on OneAsia, Asia Pacific's elite tournament pathway, and it is the first time the prize purse will reach US$1 million.
But Atiwit is not fazed, even though he's just like any ordinary schoolboy.
"My favourite subject in school is Science because you're constantly discovering new things," he says. "I also love playing Dodge Ball with my friends at school."
He admitted, "They all think it's pretty 'cool' that I play golf."
Atiwit's 'cool' factor extends to his personal life for sure. Like any teenager, he loves hanging out at MacDonald's with his friends, having a laugh and listening to the All-American Rejects. He wears his jeans off the course, swims with his sister twice a week for fun and says he's too young to have a girlfriend.
But this week, he's got his game face on and means business. He's up against some of the region's top players and he demands results.
"I really want to make the cut this week, and finish in the Top 20!"
He may have his work cut out for him, but we wish "Jazz" all the best and hope to see him on the leaderboard!
