Pimnipa Panthong Joins Gamecock Golf

Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina women’s golf team added some more firepower to its lineup as Pimnipa Panthong joins the squad for the 2020-21 season.
 
“I am thrilled to welcome Pimnipa Panthong to the Gamecock family!” head coach Kalen Anderson said. “Pim is an incredibly experienced, world-class player who will make an immediate impact in our line-up. Pim’s long list of golf accomplishments speaks for itself, but her conscientious personality and high character make her an ideal fit for our Gamecock women’s golf program. I am excited for Pim to join her teammates in Columbia, as well as excited to assist Pim in her lofty goals.”
 
Panthong, a three-time All-American honoree, comes to Carolina after graduating from Kent State earlier this year. A two-time Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, Panthong leaves the Golden Flashes with multiple program records, including the best career scoring average (71.65) and seven tournament wins. Panthong helped Kent State win three consecutive MAC Championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019 while helping the team advance to the NCAA Championship all three years as well. The MAC Freshman of the Year award in 2017, Panthong also claimed multiple Kent State awards over her four years there, including the 2020 Janet Bachna Award, given annually to the female member of the senior class who has shown the most exceptional combined qualities of leadership/positive image, athletic ability, and academic performance.
 
“What stood out the most for me was the first impression of the coaches,” Panthong said of why she picked Carolina. “I immediately felt comfortable and I am excited to see how this year will go. In addition, South Carolina has a really nice practice facility and the weather conditions allow year-round golf, which will provide me the opportunity to reach my future goals.”
 
The No. 28 ranked amateur in the Women’s Amateur Golf Ranking, Panthong played in the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2019, advancing to the final round and finishing in 17th place, and has an invitation to participate in the 2021 ANWA after the 2020 edition was delayed. Panthong also advanced to the match play portion of the 2019 US Women’s Amateur, finishing in the round of 16. At the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Panthong took third as an individual and helped Thailand finish third in the team standings as well. Panthong also played for the international team at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup.
 
Panthong will continue her education while pursuing her goal of a professional golf career once her time in Columbia is finished.