Former Rockets Pimchanok Kawil and Pinyada Kuvanun are set to embark on their path to becoming professional golfers. The duo will participate in the first stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament this week at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif.
The 72-hole, four-day tournament will begin Thursday, Aug. 22, with a cut after 54 holes. The top 60 finishers will advance to Stage II, which will be held Oct. 12-17 in Venice, Fla.
Pimchanok Kawil, left, and Pinyada Kuvanun will play in the LPGA Q School Qualifying Tournament this weekend.
“The opportunity for Pim (Pimchanok) and Bright (Pinyada) is incredible for them and our program,” Head Coach Jenny Coluccio said. “The time and dedication these two have invested in themselves and their games is a key reason why they have reached this level. We enjoyed every minute of their senior years and worked from the very beginning to prepare them for the start of their professional careers.”
Coluccio said that an objective she has for the Rockets’ program going forward is providing graduates the opportunity to play at a professional level if they desire.
“One goal we have for each player to enter our program is to love the game even more than when they leave our program, even if it doesn’t become their profession,” Coluccio said. “I’m thrilled these two have a continued passion for it, and we are here to support them along the way.”
Kuvanun already has been playing some professional events this summer, highlighted by a fifth-place tie at a Cactus Tour event in Rancho Mirage, Calif. July 30-Aug. 1. The Khonkean, Thailand, native carded a three-under 213 (73-70-70) on one of the courses that will be utilized in the qualifier.
“I have tried to gain information from playing at the courses that are used in the qualifier,” said Kuvanun, who holds school records for season (72.9) and career (73.7) stroke average. “I played them in tournament mode, and I imagined how I was going to play during Q-School. Playing well at the Cactus Tour event helps me feel more confident with my shot and my course management overall.
“The key for me at the qualifier is to remind myself of my goal and to never give up,” Kuvanun continued. “I know that it is going to be challenging, and I believe coming to The University of Toledo has helped me prepare me for this great opportunity.”
Kawil also played the Cactus Tour event in Rancho Mirage and tied for 36th place with a seven-over par 223 (75-73-75). The Chiang Mai, Thailand, native holds the Rockets’ school records for lowest 18-hole (65) and 54-hole (208) rounds.
“I am excited and looking forward to play in the Q-School, and I want to thank The University of Toledo for giving me the opportunity to come and experience college golf in the United States,” Kawil said. “Having a chance to play a tournament on the Cactus Tour helps me with my confidence and helps me get to know what I need to practice in order to be ready.
“It is going to be one of the most challenging tournaments I’ve played, but I have put all the work in and did everything that I need to do in order to feel prepared” Kawil said. “I am going to just do my best, play easy golf, have fun and enjoy my game.”
