It is not often a player from Thailand feels like they have a “home game” while in the United States, but in Pinyada “Bright” Kuvanun’s case, this week in Toledo is exactly that. The 29-year-old competed for the University of Toledo Rockets from 2016-2019 before turning professional, finishing her time at the school with two wins and a 73.7 career average. Now, in her fifth year on the Epson Tour, Kunanun gets to tee it up at the course she has been trying to play as a professional since she decided to pursue golf as a career.

“I've been out here watching the LPGA event before... Last two, three years, and been wanting to compete here,” said Kuvanun. “When they had the LPGA event, I always tried to get in the field, but then we had an Epson Tour event on the same week, so I decided to come to the Epson Tour instead.”

The Thai has experience at Highlands Meadows Golf Club, spending time at the facility when she has a week or two off during the season. Despite the experience she has at the course, playing it in a competitive setting is different than what she has done in the past, and with some friends and family in the area, she is ready for the opportunity.

“I usually come back here during the week off, sometimes, to stay with my host here and then get to go out, come out and practice here, sometimes, when I'm here in the week off,” said the former Rocket. “I'm very excited and looking forward to this week. Coming out this week, after I entered the gate, I saw everything set up very big; it surprised me a little bit. I'm actually playing in this event here.”

Bright’s best season on the Epson Tour came during her 2023 campaign, making the cut in 19 tournaments out of 23 and finishing the season No. 49 in the Race for the Card. This season has been tough for the veteran, however, making just four cuts in 13 starts in 2025.

With comfortable surroundings and her mom traveling with her, Kuvanun is hoping this is the turning point for her season.

“It always feels like home. I get to meet my coach. I get to meet my friends,” explained Kuvanun on her support in the area. “When I'm out here on the Tour, I usually have only my mom on the road with me, so it would almost feel like I have my team on the course supporting, other than my mom.”

Kuvanun will tee off for the first round of the Greater Toledo Classic hosted by Stacy Lewis at 1:07 p.m. local time. Follow along with her round with live scoring here.

Pinyada "Bright" Kuvanun Hoping to Shine While Back in Toledo

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