Amateur Thai golfer Kenyalak Preedasutthijit earned herself a spot for the Hyundai China Ladies Open on Monday in Haikou, with the teenager scoring two-under 70 to win the qualifying event for the national championship, reported the Xinhua News Agency.
The Mission Hills Haikou Blackstone course served as the venue for the 54-hole tournament that began last Friday, Dec. 4. The competition awards a $550,000 prize.
China's Liu Yiyi earned the other spot available when the 14-year-old amateur scored an even-par 72.
The tournament included seven professionals and 13 amateurs.
The 17-year-old Kanyalak had a stellar performance that featured five birdies, a bogey and a double bogey.
"I'm an amateur player now and I played amateur events all year. I heard that there's this great professional event and amateurs can try to qualify, so I decided to go," said Kanyalak, a Thai national team player. "I'm excited now. This week's field is strong with many top Korean players. I'm just aiming for the top 50 and try to make the cut after two rounds."
Liu earned her second consecutive appearance at the championship.
"Last year was my first time to play in a professional event. My father was my caddie and he was more nervous than me. I played not well on day one, so I tried to make the cut," said Liu. "I'm happy to be a part of this great field again. I made a couple of great putts today, even though the golf course is long for me. Hopefully I can be better this week and make the cut."
Other golfers in the tournament include those from Thailand, Taipei, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China.