Moriya Keeps Her Cool to Secure Qualification - Teenager Finishes Equal First to Join Tour

Thai teenager Moriya Jutanugarn finished tied first in the LPGA qualifying tournament on Sunday and will be the third Thai on the tour next season. Taking a six-shot lead into the final round at LPGA International in Florida, the 18-year-old hit a two-over-par 74 for her worst result of the week but it was good enough for a share of first place alongside Canadian Rebecca Lee-Bentham, who holed a 60ft putt at the final hole to cap her closing 67.

Moriya, who made two bogeys in her only round of the week without a birdie, said her dream had become true. ''I'm so happy to get my card. I got it and that was my goal,'' Moriya said. ''I know it will be tough on the tour next year. I have many things to improve especially my putting.''

Moriya became the second Thai to win the top honours at the LPGA qualifying school after Numa Gulyanamitta made it last year. Veteran caddie Eric Bajas, who carried her bag, said the young Thai would succeed at the next level of her career as he saw the teenager's maturity and positive mindset.

''She never gets upset. She never throws a golf club and always smiling. After a bad shot, most girls are getting upset but she looks up and says, 'I am stupid' or something like that. That's why she's going to be very successful because her attitude is great,'' Bajas said. ''And she's not afraid _ that's the key. She will go at the pin.''

Bajas was introduced to her by her coach Greg Chapman, a close friend of Bajas, and the caddie hoped to work with her on the...