Asian Ladies Tour set to open in Thailand
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A breeding ground for world stars, the Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) visits Lakewood Country Club for the second year running next month, when the 25th Thailand Ladies Open tees off on February 8.
Jittakarn Chandraviroj, president of the Thailand Ladies Golf Association (TALGA), recently inked a deal with LAGT president and chief tour commissioner Koichi Kato to host the first leg of the tour.
Jittakarn said TALGA’s objective was to raise the standard of ladies’ golf in the region as well as promote Thailand as a top golfing destination.
Stars who first rose to prominence on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour include world No 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan, while well-known Thai players such as Pornanong Phatlam, Patcharajutar Kongkapan, Porani Chutichai,Titiya Pluckstaporn and Nontaya Srisawang are still climbing the ladder.
Jittakarn said this year’s prize money had been raised to US$150,000, while the winner of the Pro-Am will pocket $10,000. The tournament carries a daily prize of $1,000, with the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophy awaiting the champion.
South Korea, Japan and Thailand have been allocated 30 entries each. Berths also go to 10 players from Europe and the US along with 20 from other Asian nationalities. Five amateurs from TALGA’s national squad will also participate in the championship.
Last year saw first-timer Thanaporn Kongkietkrai tied with Korean Cho A-ram at 8-under 208 after 54 holes. It took nine extra play-off holes – a record for ladies’ golf – before the Thai player finally sank a birdie to win her first title.
