Moriya Jutanugarn was inspired by a special fan Friday who kept a promise to her.
She will be looking to use that boost to make this a memorable new chapter in the Jutanugarn “Sisters Act” story.
Three weeks after Ariya won the U.S. Women’s Open for her second victory in 2018, Mo is in early position in Rogers, Ark., to join her sister as the tour’s only two-time winners this year.
Mo put up a 7-under-par 64 to get into early contention at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. She was tied for the lead among the morning wave with Aditi Ashok, who is looking to inspire the entire nation of India by winning a first LPGA title for her homeland. Lizette Salas and Mirim Lee also shot 64s in the early wave.
Full-field scores from the Walmart Arkansas Championship
Moriya got in contention with PGA Tour pro Kiradech Aphibarnrat in the gallery following her. A fellow Thai, Aphibarnrat promised Mo he would come watch her if she won an LPGA title. She broke through for her first victory in April at the Hugel-JTBC LA Open, and Aphribarnrat lived up to his promise showing up this week.
“He’s like my brother, and it’s very nice to see him,” Moriya said. “Really happy for him, as well, because he is having a very good year this year.”
At the Masters, Ariya caddied for Aphibarnrat during the Par 3 Contest.
Aphibarnrat said he is a big fan of the Thai sisters and also planned to watch Ariya in the afternoon.
“They inspire me,” Aphibarnrat told LPGA media official Christina Lance after the round.
Source: Internet
