Patty Tavatanakit ready to defend PIF Saudi Ladies International title

Patty Tavatanakit returns to the PIF Saudi Ladies International as the defending champion. Her victory last year was an emotional milestone that helped propel her to a successful season, including a win in Thailand the week after, two top-10 finishes, and third place at the Amundi Evian Championship. Plus she capped off the year with a win at the Grant Thornton Invitational with PGA Tour player Jake Knapp. As she prepares to defend her title, the 24-year-old Thai golfer remains focused on the process rather than the pressure.

Reflecting on her mindset coming into this year's event, Tavatanakit admitted, “Game feels great. I feel like, in the off-season, I hadn't really reflected back on last year and the three wins. But I just kept on working and looking forward to this year already.” Despite her success, she isn’t allowing past victories to dictate her outlook. “I don’t know what to think or what to expect. Coming into this week, I just really want to play my best,” she explained. Her focus is clear: she’s working through adjustments with a new coach and maintaining a disciplined approach to her game.

Turning pressure into privilege

As the defending champion, Tavatanakit acknowledges the inevitable pressure but views it through a positive lens. “There's always pressure... People expect you to do it again. But, you know, I could take it as a positive. Pressure is a privilege, and I'm very privileged to have that at the back of my mind,” she said. This mature perspective highlights her resilience and mental strength, key attributes that have contributed to her rise on the global stage.

Last year’s win at the PIF Saudi Ladies International was pivotal for Tavatanakit, setting the tone for a productive season. “It was very, very important. A big boost in confidence, for sure,” she reflected. Despite three wins – two individual and one team – she admits her performance wasn't as consistent as she had hoped. “I didn't feel like I performed my best or had my form all year round. That’s something I've been working on this off-season – just trying to eliminate those big misses, tee to green, and cleaning things up on the putting green a little bit.” Her relentless drive to improve is evident as she aims to sharpen every aspect of her game.

Chasing new goals and another Major glory

With her eyes set on the 2025 season, Tavatanakit has clear ambitions. “I'd like to win this year. Very clear about that, very passionate about it. I'll do anything I can to make that happen,” she stated, highlighting her determination. Major championships are at the forefront of her mind, with the AIG Women’s Open and the U.S. Open being particularly meaningful targets. “Winning the AIG Women’s Open would be nice... But also, the U.S. Open is really tough. So, I don’t know. Any Major, but probably the U.S. Open,” she admitted, revealing her competitive spirit and respect for the challenges ahead.

New format for 2025 PIF Saudi Ladies International

The 2025 PIF Saudi Ladies International will introduce a new format with both Individual and Team competitions. Features a 54-hole Individual stroke play with a cut to the top 60 after 36 holes and a 36-hole Team event over the first two days. Teams consist of four players, with captains picking members based on world rankings. The best two scores per hole count for the team total. The prize fund is $5 million, with $500,000 for the Team event and $4.5 million for the Individual competition.

A grounded approach to defending her title

When asked about her strategy for defending her title, Tavatanakit emphasised her commitment to the process. “I feel like I’ve just been really focused on my process, all the things I’m working on with my coach,” she said. She’s realistic about the ups and downs of the sport, acknowledging, “You just have to go out there regardless of how you feel. Just got to make it happen and accept that it’s golf - it’s not always going to look pretty.”

As she embarks on her title defence at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, Patty Tavatanakit is balancing ambition with humility, pressure with privilege. Her focused approach and clear goals make her a formidable competitor. Regardless of the outcome, Tavatanakit's journey continues to inspire, reflecting the evolving landscape of women’s golf on a global stage.

View the full leaderboard and field for the PIF Saudi Ladies International here.