It was never supposed to be this way. As a college player, Dechathipat had aspirations of playing on the LPGA Tour. She spent her early years at Auburn University before transferring to Wake Forest, where she excelled. But as so often happens in sports, life had other plans. After graduation, with the world of professional golf appearing increasingly out of reach, she found herself at a crossroads. Dechathipat moved back to Thailand for a year and was debating whether to make a go of it in golf or return to school.
It was only a pandemic-inspired conversation with Wake Forest’s coaches, Kim and John Lewellen that led her to the sport of long drive—a perfect fit for someone who already had a penchant for hitting the ball far. “It started as a hobby,” she recalls, “but I quickly realized I had the potential to compete.”
Around that time, she received a call from Iain Highfield, with whom she had crossed paths while she attended Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy in Orlando, Florida. Highfield was taking the job as KOHR’s Academy Director and decided to bring his former student with him to Massachusetts to shape promising youth in this part of the country.
Fast forward to today, and Dechathipat is not just playing for fun—she’s a seasoned competitor in WLD, an emerging circuit after several previous versions were sold in recent years. Still, it’s a far cry from the game enjoyed by most—focused on specific techniques, raw power, and endurance, and certainly not for the faint of heart.
“In long drive, you swing at full speed for as long as you can handle,” she said. “A typical session can mean hitting 60–100 balls at 100% effort each day, and when you’re done, you’re exhausted.”
Her preparation is also balanced, incorporating a mix of CrossFit, plyometric exercises, and hill sprints into her training routine, ensuring that her mind and body feel sharp throughout the year instead of just in phases. “This year, I focused on staying fresh, and it paid off,” she said.
Dechathipat’s journey this year wasn’t without some doubts. After being selective with competitions throughout the year, the 2024 National Championships in Georgia approached. Despite her two wins and her teaching commitments, the $1,000 entry fee and additional travel expenses loomed large.
After seeking advice, she launched a GoFundMe campaign, and her clients, friends, and acquaintances rallied to ensure she wouldn’t miss the opportunity.
During the competition, she found her rhythm and advanced smoothly to the final match. “I was hitting balls in the 350s, and no one else was close,” she recalls. However, a single out-of-bounds (OB) shot dashed her hopes for the title. “That was emotional; so many people were behind me, and I OB’d. I did my best, and people still wished me well.”
The562’s coverage of Long Beach golf is sponsored by Dan and Desiree Gooch. The562’s coverage of Long Beach Pol
Walking off the 18th green Wednesday afternoon, Palisades High golfer Anna Song was greeted by her coach Dave Suarez, who offered her a choice of a brownie or
Denver International Airport is a hotbed of activity, as the Federal Aviation Administration has the facility listed as the third-busiest airport in the country
WINTHROP, Iowa (KCRG) - At least 18 golf carts were damaged or destroyed in a fire at Buffalo Creek County Club on Thursday.The Independence and Aurora Fire Dep