Golf: Jutanugarn sisters caddie in par-three competition

(Reuters) – After missing the proverbial boat for the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the Jutanugarn sisters Ariya and Moriya instead made do with a chance to caddie in the par 3 competition at the Masters on Wednesday.

Sisters Ariya (L) and Moriya (C) Jutanugarn caddie for Kiradech Aphibarnrat (R) of Thailand during the 2019 Masters golf tournament’s par 3 contest at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S., April 10, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar

They shared the bag toting duties for fellow Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat, even teeing it up on one hole, where all three swung simultaneously.

Ariya and Moriya turned professional in 2012, seven years before women finally got a chance to stride Augusta National’s famous fairways in competition, albeit sans professionals.

“We want to play it,” said world number three Ariya of the course as she and Moriya stood in their white caddie overalls outside the clubhouse on a warm and cloudless afternoon.

A visit last year allowed Ariya to admire the beauty of Augusta.

“Last year when I walked with Kiradech all 18 (holes) twice, I thought this course is amazing,” she said.

“I thought one time in my life I would really like to play here. I’m really jealous.”

Ariya and Moriya have earned between them $11 in career prize-money on the LPGA Tour.

But that does not stop them from wishing they had enjoyed a chance to compete at Augusta National.

“We don’t have that chance when it is our time,” said Moriya, before adding “hopefully one day.”

Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Christian Radnedge

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source: reuters.com