Hot locals eye Thailand Ladies Open

Prize money has been boosted to US$200,000 for the 26th edition of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) event, with highlights to be broadcast on Fox Sports.

“The Thailand Amateur Ladies Golf Association is delighted with the progress being made for this year’s Thailand Ladies Open. Our objective is to lift the [event] to the next level and get wider exposure overseas. This of course will be a great incentive to our local players as well,” said Jittakarn Chandraviroj, president of the Thailand Amateur Ladies Golf Association.

Siam Country Club’s Plantation is one of the top courses in the Kingdom and provided the backdrop for former world No 1 Lorena Ochoa’s triumph in the 2009 LPGA Thailand.

“The Thailand Ladies Open has always been one of the main attractions on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. The tournament is highly competitive as it always boasts a very strong field from overseas. This is because Thailand is such a popular venue, with fine golf courses and top-class facilities,” said Rae-Vadee T Suwan, chairperson of the LAGT.

Last year, cheered on by a huge and enthusiastic local crowd, Nontaya Srisawang recorded a memorable victory to become the fifth local winner of the event.

Her compatriot Tanaporn Kongkiatkrai lifted the trophy the year before, while Moo Sattayabanphot won in 2009 and Pornanong Phatlum in 2008.

Amateur Naree Wongluekiet was the first Thai winner in 2001.

Their names are inscribed on the trophy along with famous winners including Shin Jiyai (2007), Sophie Gustafson (1997) and Laura Davies (1993 and 1994).

Adding to the excitement this year is the fact that Thailand’s golfers are enjoying a fine season on the LAGT.

Titiya Plucksataporn claimed the season-opening Royal Open in Taiwan while Pornanong triumphed in the following event, the Hitachi Open, also in Taiwan.

Pornanong currently leads the Order of Merit with winnings of US$90,045 after seven events this year.