Sometimes, "trying too hard" can cause people to lose their way. This was the lesson Gino Atthaya Thitikul learned after enduring a difficult period before coming back to win the Mizuho Americas Open 2026.
On 11 May 2026 GMT+7, the Thai pro recently faced disappointment at the Chevron Championship, a major tournament where she hoped to unlock her first career title but ultimately suffered a painful early exit.
During that time, Gino was repeatedly asked, "When will you win a major?" Gradually, these criticisms turned into unnoticed pressure until she began to question herself, wondering, "What am I doing wrong?" or "Is golf working against me?"
Instead of forcing herself and increasing the pressure, Gino chose to "stop." After talking with her coach, she received a simple piece of advice that completely changed her mindset.
"Maybe, don’t try too hard." A simple phrase, yet it immediately unlocked her feelings.
Gino started letting go of expectations, stopped obsessing over results, and refocused solely on what she could control—her rhythm, concentration, and her game shot by shot.
She said that on days when golf isn’t good, it’s simply "a bad day at golf," not a failure in life or a loss of self-worth.
This mindset allowed the 23-year-old pro to return to the game with relaxation, culminating in a strong defense of her Mizuho Americas Open title.
"When you're leading, others try to catch up and often speed up to win, but I really tried to stay in my own world, focusing on my rhythm and what I can control. In the end, it worked out well."
More importantly than the trophy is Gino’s perspective on "majors." She confirmed that winning a major is still a "dream," but she no longer wants it to be a burden she must carry.
"Whether I win a major or not, I think I already have enough."
This simple statement from Gino might be the key to why she has returned to golf with a smile. Perhaps the day she stopped chasing success under pressure is the day the greatest achievement came to her.