LET PERFECT PLATFORM FOR FUTURE THAI TALENTS
Local players from the Thai LPGA will have a unique opportunity to qualify for the Ladies European Tour when the inaugural 300,000 euro Ladies European Thailand Championship takes place at Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club near Pattaya next week.
The winner of the tournament will be entitled to take up a two-year membership of the LET and compete full-time on the global circuit, but for all other players there will also be the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the newly crowned world number one, Ariya Jutanugarn, through Lalla Aicha Tour School at the end of the year.
The LET's official qualifying school has proven to be a factory of stars and indeed, helped to pave the way for Jutanugarn's success and international stardom.
At the age of 17, Jutanugarn won the Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Stage in Morocco in December 2012, before going on to claim her first tournament victory at the Lalla Meryem Cup three months later. She earned her first Major championship at the Ricoh Women's British Open last year before finally ascending to the top of the World Rankings on June 12.
With a return to Thailand for the first time in 12 years, the LET will continue to contribute to the development of women's golf and to help talented Thai golfers to follow the pathway to achieve their dreams on a global platform.
Ladies European Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh believes that staging the Ladies European Thailand Championship,in partnership with the Thai LPGA, Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club, Khon Rak Golf Co.,Ltd and the Sports Authority of Thailand, combined with the experience of Mr Chayapat Sunayont as the key coordinator, will create a considerable impact and opportunity for the Thai players.
He said: "The LET is committed to developing the game in the regions we visit and I am confident that the Ladies European Thailand Championship will deliver a strong platform to inspire children and young people to participate in sport. It will also encourage the current players who are progressing in their games to continue to develop their skills, to build their confidence and to see how far their talents can take them at the top international level."
The LET has already made a considerable impact to the Asian golf industry and the development of women's golf through its long-standing events in China and India. The Ladies European Thailand Championship will further stimulate the growth of the women's game by giving local young players the opportunity to test themselves against strong international competition.
Mr. Wanchai Meechai - Tournament Director of Thai LPGA revealed that "Thai LPGA is pleased to participate and deliver our full support to this tournament in order to encourage our Thai players to get this huge opportunity and gain more experience in the international tournament, as well as to compete and learn technique from LET top players. This rare opportunity will help 55 Thai players who are in the field more grow in golf."
Mr. Wiboon Champangeun - Director of Professional Sports Development Division of Sports Authority of Thailand said, "SAT aims to deliver such supporting and encouragement, in order to develop sports in Thailand. By the foreseeing of the potential of Thailand to be the sport hub of the region and to challenge Thai sports to step into international stages."
Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club, the magnificent golf course in Pattaya with its beautiful scenery surroundings, host venue where the tournament take place. Mrs. Chanya Swangchitr - President also stated in the press conference that, "it is such an honour to welcome Thai and LET top ladies golfers to Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club to compete and be the first champion of the inaugural edition of Ladies European Thailand Championship. On behalf of the host venue, we are proudly to announce our readiness to challenge all golfers and facilitate all officers, in order to motivate such this outstanding international event in Pattaya to strengthen the tourism and economics, and bring in local people to be a part of the event."
Mr. Kritpong Panpha - President of Khon Rak Golf Co.,Ltd, the promoter of this event stated, "The organizing of this significant event is our pride. The purpose is for encourage and evaluating ladies golf in Thailand as well as to strengthen and grow golf to meet international standard."
126 ladies golfers will compete in the field of Ladies European Thailand Championship 2017, featured of 70 LET golfers, 40 Thai LPGA golfers and 16 invitation spots, for 300,000Euro purse money (appx. 12 million Baht) and World Ranking Points.
Ladies European Thailand Championship will be live broadcasted through LET media platform covering 573 million households worldwide and domestic broadcasting will be through True Sport 3 HD of True Visions in 4 days of tournament from 13.00-16.00 hrs. Admission ticket is available at ticket booth near public entrance during 6 - 9 July 2017 at 100THB/person/day, free entry for spectators under 18 years old and over 60 years old.
More information can be followed at facebook.com/LadiesEuropeanThailandChampionship
