If there is any golfer that would have the biggest follower base in Thailand, it is Ariya Jutanugarn. She is the first golfer from Thailand to win a major championship. The golfer who has been making her mark in the professional circuit had a unique start, shaped by her playful nature. So let’s take a look at the life of the golfer in detail.
Early life and family of the Thai professional
Jutanugarn was born on the 23rd of November, 1995, to a Thai family. Her father and mother, Somboon and Narumon Jutanugarn, influenced her to choose the sport. Her father owned a golf equipment shop at the Rose Garden Golf Course near their home in Bangkok, which helped the sisters, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, get exposure. But interestingly, for ‘May,’ the story goes back to her younger days when her father tackled her playful nature with a putter. Reflecting on that time, she said, “My dad opened a golf equipment shop when I was very young. Given that I was a real live wire and couldn’t sit still, Dad did not want me running around, so he gave me a putter.” The unique way of introducing the sport has led to a great and accomplished career for the golfer. Knowing her great talent, her father made the significant sacrifice of selling their home and vehicle to fund her participation in international tournaments.
Notably, her mother, Narumon “Apple” Jutanugarn, also had a pivotal role in shaping the brilliant career of the golfer. She managed daily operations and remained her biggest supporter, both on and off the course. Apart from her parents, she has also found her biggest teammate in her sister, Moriya Jutanugarn, also a professional golfer.
The sisters share a strong bond in helping each other. May even praised this bond in a post on Instagram after the DOW Great Lakes Bay Invitational. She wrote, “There is not a better sister, friend, and partner than you. It was super fun competing with @mo_moriya on my side this week at Midland Country Club. Not only that, we got to play with each other but also for each other.” There have been many instances where the duo has spoken about the support both professionally and personally.
Apart from the family, there is another pivotal person who has helped the golfer in her professional career as a caddie.
Who is Ariya Jutanugarn’s caddie?
Earlier in 2019, she joined hands with professional looper Daniel Taylor. He previously caddied for Swedish golfer Pernilla Lindberg. The partnership after parting ways with Les Luark helped Jutanugarn with eight victories out of her 10, including the US Women’s Open. However, Lindberg, who was involved romantically and professionally with the caddie, led to a decision to split considering the dual role.
This eventually led to a partnership with her current caddie, David Eller. Eller, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, is in his fifth season of caddying and previously played Division I college golf at Charleston Southern University. He has a strong competitive background and brings both experience and energy to the bag. His favorite course is the Olympic Club, and he has shared memorable stories from his time, including a dramatic double eagle from a tough fairway seam during his time on the Korn Ferry Tour. This partnership reflects Ariya’s ongoing commitment to surrounding herself with experienced professionals to support her continued success on tour. With her exceptional support and performance, Ariya Jutanugarn has bagged various awards and recognitions in her career.
Awards and recognition of Ariya Jutanugarn
With the early start, she became the world number one in 2017 and retained the ranking for 28 weeks. Even with her exceptional on-course performance, she was named Rolex Player of the Year in 2016 and LPGA Player of the Year in 2018. Even in the same year, she secured the CME Globe title. By 2017, she had bagged two major victories, notably at the 2016 Women’s British Open and 2018 US Women’s Open.
Her rising success helped her become one of the most admired female athletes in Thailand, and she was awarded for it in 2019. Even in 2023, she and her sister Moriya won Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award.
Early exposure to the sport has helped her become one of the most respected names in the sport. Whether on the course or off it. Now, with her 2025 season, too, she is aiming to achieve the same career peak. With her ongoing performance at the T-Mobile Match Play Championship, she has defeated defending champion Nelly Korda to secure her place in the top 16. Can Ariya Jutanugarn win the event after defeating world no. 1? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.
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