A Pioneer of Thai Golf on the LPGA -- Oui Virada

We're Talking Golf

Today, it may seem commonplace to see Thai payers competing for victory on the LPGA, but there was a time not too long ago when there was a single pioneer carrying the responsibility of representing Thailand on the LPGA. Virada Nirapathpongporn, or Oui Virada, was the first player from Thailand to achieve full time membership status on the LPGA.
She relocated to Florida from her home in Bangkok to attend the Leadbetter - IMG Academy as a teenager. From there, she moved into NCAA Division 1 golf with the Duke Blue Devils and never looked back. In her sophomore year, she led the Blue Devils to the National Championship while winning the individual championship by 4-strokes over Arizona's Lorena Ochoa.
From her unique vantage point as a pioneer of Thai golf, Oui Virada discusses how much Thai golf has grown and developed since she was a junior player. She also discusses her own journey into professional golf and the responsibility of representing her home country on the world professional golf stage. She also shares some great advice for parents and junior players who share the dream of wanting to go as far as they can in the sport.

Chapters

1. Virada's Return to Bangkok (00:06:56)

2. Working the Asian Tour Media & Analyst (00:13:13)

3. Being a Pioneer & Carrying a Nation (00:20:18)

4. Friends Aree & Naree Song (00:22:48)

5. Thai Players on the LPGA (00:24:40)

6. Growing Women's Professional Golf in Thailand (00:29:38)

7. 2021 Honda LPGA Thailand, Ariya, Atthaya, and Patty (00:33:19)

8. Oui Virada & Learning the Game (00:34:48)

9. NCAA Champion & US Women's Amateur Champion (00:38:05)

10. University & Personal Growth (00:42:52)

11. Thoughts on when a player should turn pro or consider university (00:44:07)

12. The Duke University Golf Program (00:48:12)

13. The Evolution of Women's Golf in Thailand (00:49:15)

14. Thongchai Jaidee & Men's Golf (00:50:55)

15. Following in the Footsteps of Mom - Virada's Son & Golf (00:53:09)

16. Virada's Dream Golf Program for Thailand (00:56:20)