Teenage sensation Atthaya Thitikul is ready for a new challenge after announcing that she is turning professional.
The 16-year-old made the announcement during a press conference yesterday to launch the SCG-Cotto Sea Saver campaign.
The Ratchaburi-born starlet, who was the top-ranked female amateur golfer, is sponsored by SCG.
"I'm very excited to turn pro. Of course, I still have a lot to learn but I am ready for the challenge ahead," she said.
"I am doing it right now because I want a true challenge. Although I am only 16, I felt like I was a veteran amateur golfer.
"Is this [turning pro] too soon? I don't think so. I am confident that I am ready in terms of preparation and experience.
"I know that it will be completely different playing as a pro against pros, so I need to improve my game and strengthen my body."
As an amateur, Atthaya won twice in a Ladies European Tour (LET) event -- the Thailand European Ladies Championship.
She began her rise on the international stage in 2017 when she won the Thailand European Ladies Championship in Pattaya.
With the triumph, she became the youngest-ever player to win a professional event at 14 years, four months and 17 days.
She also swept the individual and team gold medals at the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia.
In 2018, she was crowned champion of the inaugural Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in Singapore after winning a four-way play-off.
Thanks to the victory, she received a ticket to the HSBC Women's Champions held on the same course the following week and finished eighth in the LPGA Tour event.
She went on to become the low amateur at the ANA Inspiration and claimed the Smyth Salver as the leading amateur at the Women's British Open.
Atthaya and Vanchai claimed the mixed team title at the Youth Olympics in Argentina.
Last year, she won the Ladies European Thailand Championship for the second time.
She finished in a tie for 29th place overall and was again the leading amateur at the Women's British Open.
Atthaya said yesterday she aimed to finish her rookie season in the top 25 on the LET's money list.
At the moment, Atthaya cannot join the LPGA Tour as a member must be at least 18 years old.
However, she said she may write a petition to the tour to wave off the age limit for her.
Also at yesterday's press conference were LPGA Tour members Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya Jutanugarn and Pajaree Anannaukarn, who all are sponsored by SCG.
Atthaya said she wanted to followed in the footsteps of former world No.1 Ariya, who has won 10 LPGA titles including two major championships.
But Ariya said: "I don't think she really needs my advice for her game. I think she has determination and is already good.
"I am very proud of her. I wish her success and hope she can overcome all obstacles."
Ariya failed to win a single tournament last year but she said she was not worried about it.
"I won't put too much pressure on myself. I will be playing golf happily," she said.