2016 Rolex Junior Player of the Year | Paphangkorn Tavatanakit

Tavatanakit is ranked No. 1 in the Polo Golf Rankings, Golfweek Girls Junior Rankings and Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings. The senior at Keerapat International School in Thailand won two AJGA Invitationals in 2016, Rolex Tournament of Champions and the season-ending PING Invitational. Tavatanakit’s PING Invitational score of 12-under-par 204 shattered Esther Choe’s 2006 tournament record of 6-under-par 210.

Verbally committed to UCLA, Tavatanakit also finished T5 at the Yani Tseng Invitational presented by the Swinging Skirts. The 17-year-old competed in the U.S. Women's Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, advancing to the round of 16 at both events. Tavatanakit is the first female from Thailand to be named Rolex Junior Player of the Year since LPGA star Ariya Jutanugarn won back-to-back Rolex Junior Player of the Year honors in 2011 and 2012.

“Being honored as the Rolex Junior Player of the Year is surreal,” Tavatanakit said. “This award defines the best player in junior golf and I didn’t dare to dream about receiving it because of the many talented golfers capable of winning this award. Winning this award means the world to me and I am so grateful and blessed for this opportunity that would not have been possible without my family, friends, coaches, Rolex and the AJGA.”