From Bangkok to the Top of the Leaderboard
- Brianna
- Nov 23
- 2 min read
What happens when girls get a fair shot? If you’ve ever watched golf and thought it was just slow swings and quiet claps, then you haven’t seen Ariya Jutanugarn in action.
Ariya is a Thai golf champion, a former world number one and the first Thai golfer ever to win a major tournament. She’s known for her fierce drive, powerful swing and calm under pressure. But what really makes Ariya inspiring to me isn’t just the trophies, it’s her story.
She started playing golf when she was just five years old, practicing alongside her sister in Bangkok. Their family gave up everything to support their dreams, traveling across the world so they could compete. Ariya faced injuries, mental struggles and big expectations. And still, she didn’t quit. She rose. Now she’s not just a champion but she’s a role model for girls all over the world, especially in Asia, showing that you don’t have to come from a traditional golf country to succeed.
But let’s be real for a second.
What if Ariya had missed four to five days of school or training every month because of period poverty? What if she hadn’t had access to basic menstrual products, clean restrooms, or the support to manage her health with confidence? Would she still have become one of the greatest female golfers of her generation? Maybe not. And that’s exactly why we need to talk about this.
Period poverty is still a massive problem and not just in poor or rural areas, but everywhere. Girls are missing school, skipping sports, dropping out of programs and losing confidence all because they can’t afford or access sanitary products. That’s not just unfair but it’s holding the world back from future Ariyas.
Golf teaches patience, focus and power but so does life. And every girl deserves the chance to learn those lessons in class, on the field, on the court or wherever her dream takes her.
So let’s raise awareness. Let’s fundraise. Let’s talk openly about periods and make sure no girl is held back by silence or shame. Because behind every great woman like Ariya is a girl who was allowed to show up. Let’s make sure every girl gets that chance.
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