Patty, Jutanugarn sisters lead local challenge at Honda LPGA Thailand next month

Patty, who on Sunday became the second Thai to win an LPGA Major title, will be joined by countrywoman and former world No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister Moriya as well as defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea.

Also competing on the pristine Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course from May 6-9 will be Danielle Kang (US), Park Sung-hyun (South Korea) and Japanese star Hinako Shibuno. They head a starry field of top players from Asia, the US and Europe.

Ariya, world No 1 in 2017 and winner of two LPGA Majors, the 2016 British Open and 2018 US Open said: “I’m excited to be competing in the Honda LPGA Thailand and as a Thai person I am also incredibly proud of the achievements my country has made in dealing with and managing the issues created by the pandemic. The fact that a great competition such as this can take place now sends a positive statement to the world and shows that Thailand is a wonderful golfing destination.”

Moriya, winner of the 2018 Hugel-JTBC LA Open, said: “Having the Honda LPGA back on is such a great feeling. … Events such as these really elevate the standard of golf in Thailand, and they also do a fantastic job of showing the world that Thailand golf courses are some of the best in the world.”

Patty is looking forward to parlaying her title-inning momentum into more success.

“My recent win at the ANA Inspiration will be my inspiration to have a great tournament at home. The Honda LPGA is always exciting, I am looking forward to competing in it again.”

Kang, winner of the 2017 Women's PGA Championship, said: “has been so much anticipation from all of us on the LPGA circuit, we all want to get back to competing. I can’t wait to get onto the course.”

Said Park Sung-hyun, winner of the 2017 US Open and the 2018 PGA Championship: “It feels like a dream come true to be able to travel to Thailand once again and take part in this event and join my fellow professional female golfers in what is sure to be a thrilling tournament for all. The organisers have made every effort possible to make sure that this event is not only world-class but also safe.”

Japan’s Shibuno, winner of the 2019 British Open, will join the Honda LPGA Thailand for the first time. “This tournament is always a world-class event, and I am sure this year will be no exception,” she said. “The restrictions placed upon us all, not just in sports but in our day to day lives, have been challenging, so to have the opportunity to once again travel and play the sport I love feels amazing. I’m sure all the fans who will be tuning in to watch will be just as excited as all of the players will be.”