After dominating the world junior and amateur golf circuits over the past few years, and being touted as the ‘next generation’ of women’s golf, Thailand teen sensations Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn are now both taking their games to the professional ranks and have signed with IMG, the world’s leading sports, fashion and media company, for worldwide management and marketing representation.
Moriya Jutanugarn turned professional earlier this year, and her younger sister, Ariya, joined her as a pro last month. The Jutanugarn sisters gave golf fans an idea of the impact they can have in women’s professional golf as Moriya finished tied for first place last month at LPGA Tour qualifying school, securing her card for the 2013 season, while Ariya won qualifying school for the Ladies European Tour by an impressive five-shot margin.
“Playing golf professionally on the LPGA Tour has been a lifelong dream for me, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Moriya. “Many of my golf heroes growing up were represented by IMG, and as a company with such a strong presence in golf around the world, my family and I knew that they were the right fit for us.”
“It’s a very exciting time for my sister and me,” said Ariya. “We look at how many strong young players, from all parts of the world, are helping make women’s golf so popular, and we will be thrilled to be a part of it. We know that IMG will play a very important role in helping us become the best professional players we can be.”
Moriya, 18 years old, created history in 2008, at 14 years of age, when she became the first female to win the British Junior Open. She earned low amateur honors at the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open where she finished tied for 33rd.
Ariya, 17 years old, won her second consecutive AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year honors last year. In 2011 she earned low amateur honors at the Kraft Nabisco Championship when she tied for 25th place.
“Moriya and Ariya have been generating excitement for years at the amateur and junior levels, and golf fans around the world are eagerly looking forward to seeing them compete as professionals,” said Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG Golf. “They will both be global superstars in women’s golf, and we’re sure will inspire many other future stars of the game. IMG is thrilled to represent the Jutanugarn sisters and help them become the most successful professionals they can be.”
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