ARIYA JUTANUGARN WON THE
2016 RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN,
HER FIRST MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP.
“Ariya shows us all you can go through tough
times in life, but you can come back.
She bounced back with her
determination and self-belief.”
Gary Gilchrist
GOLF RETURNS TO THE OLYMPICS
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1904!
Players competed for their country in a 72-hole individual stroke play competition. Gary Gilchrist, coach for China’s,
Shanshan Feng and Thailand’s, Ariya Jutanugarn, was excited to follow his students in pursuit of an Olympic medal.
With a Bronze Medal around her neck, Top Chinese woman golfer Shanshan Feng’s conversation prior to the Rio Games
proved prophetic. “This is my first Olympic Games and might be my last, so this is my only chance,” Feng, the world’s #12
said. Shanshan Feng won China’s only major when she won the Women’s PGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club in
2012, and now she boasts an Olympic Bronze Medal for her country!
Prior to the Olympics, newly-crowned British Open golf champion
Ariya Jutanugarn was noted as a strong contender for an Olympic medal
in Rio de Janeiro. After a first round leading score of 6 Under, 65,
Jutanugarn was well on her way to delivering. After Friday’s third round,
Ariya withdrew from the women’s Olympic golf tournament after 13
holes due to a left knee injury.
Gilchrist said, “It was an awesome achievement having golf included
in the Olympics. This was a proud moment for many golfers who have
dreamt for years to represent their country. Golf will now be seen as
an athletic sport which is growing worldwide. Having one of my students
receive a medal was such an honor and a special moment in my life.”