Despite all of the challenges that the Red Rams faced this fall sports season, there were still plenty of successes. Junior golfer Punn Chittaratlert won the SCAC Empire Player of the Year award. Chittaratlert, along with senior Tanner Burns, also earned spots on the Empire Division First Team.

Chittaratlert was shocked to learn that he had won the award. “I was really surprised that I won, not only because there were a lot of good players in our league, but also that the season was shortened due to COVID.” 

He reemphasized the fact that he faced a lot of strong competitors this year. “There are a lot of good players out there and it’s anybody’s game if they have a great season.” Though even Chittaratlert knew it could be a close race, he still came out on top.

The preparation and work that went into the season began far earlier than the team’s first match. He practiced every day over the winter, spring, and summer to hone his craft and get better and better. 

Clearly, the hard work paid off. Chittaratlert led the Red Rams Golf Team to a 6-0 record, including a statement win against a strong Baldwinsville team. In that match, he shot a season-low 36 with several key putts down the stretch.

Chittaratlert has a lot of people that he wants to thank for helping him be as good as he was this year. Support from his parents and teammates encouraged him to train even harder and work on his game. “They really helped me improve my weaknesses and pointed out things that I never realized before. These guys were part of the reason why I won player of the year.”

Now, with one Player of the Year award under his belt, he will look to defend his title next year. That means more work, and more training. “I will be working a lot of my golf fundamentals, going to the gym a lot to hit the ball farther and working to improve my mental game.”

Chittaratlert will keep working for more awards, but this is a great start for a bright young talent in the world of golf.