Patty, Ariya carry Thai medal hopes

Four Thai golfers will chase Olympic glory in Tokyo — Patty Tavatanakit and Ariya Jutanugarn in the women’s event, and Jazz Janewattananond and Gunn Charoenkul in the men’s competition.

While major champions Patty and Ariya Jutanugarn are legitimate contenders at the 2020 Olympics, lower-ranked Jazz and Gunn believe they are not in Tokyo just to make up the numbers and are even dreaming of winning medals.

Kasumigaseki Country Club will host the men’s event from July 29-Aug 1 and the women’s competition from Aug 4-7. Tokyo 2020 officially starts on Friday and ends on Aug 8.

According to the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Patty, whose Thai name is Paphangkorn, is among the country’s top hopes at the Games, while Ariya is in a group of athletes who have high chances of winning medals.

Patty, 21, will make her Olympic debut, while Ariya, 25, will play in her…