Ariya looks for a second chance at Honda LPGA
Ariya Jutanugarn will try to capture her maiden LPGA crown at home when she heads into the US$1.5-million Honda LPGA Thailand from February 20 to 23 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course
The 17-year-old talent came close to winning an LPGA title at the event last February but a triple bogey on the final hole shattered her dream and propelled South Korean Park In-bee, who was two strokes behind, to victory in front of a stunned crowd.
“I missed my chance the last time I played there, so I hope to have a better result next year. I want to win a home tournament,” said Ariya who had to be content with second place in the last edition, with elder sister Moriya on hand to wipe away her tears. Ariya, however, is undergoing rehabilitation after a shoulder operation in August. She picked up the injury when she fell during practise for the LPGA Championship in July.
“Although I want to win the LPGA Thailand, it depends on how my fitness is when I return to competition. I’m not fully healed and don’t want to rush things,” said Ariya, who hopes to compete from December and play in the final stage of LPGA Qualifying in the USA.
Ariya received several wild cards into LPGA events and posted solid top 20 finishes in the HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore and Kingsmill Championship in Virginia. She also won her first professional title, in the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco, a European event, this year.
The top 60 golfers in the money list and 10 exemptions will compete in the LPGA Thailand in a 72-hole stroke play format with no cut. There is a special hole-in-one prize on the par-3 hole 16 – a new Honda Accord 2.4 EL, worth Bt1.66 million. The Honda LPGA Thai Fashion Design Contest will also make its debut in the programme.
“The contest is for the best short evening dress using Thai fabrics under the ‘smart & trendy look’ concept. We welcome independent designers and students to show off their potential, demonstrate the unrivalled elegance of Thai fabrics and be proud of being a part of this international ladies golf tournament.
The winning entries will be shown at the fashion show on the Honda LPGA Charity Night. An auction for famous golf collectibles will take place and all earnings from the event will go to Her Majesty the Queen’s Silapacheep Foundation,” said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, executive vice president of Honda Automobile (Thailand).
Honda will also launch the micro site www.HondaLPGA.com to keep golf fans updated on the progress of the tournament, with an added bonus of online quiz games and activities to win free tickets to the tournament. Those new to golf can learn more about the rules of the game, enjoy lifestyle articles and view the Honda LPGA Collection – souvenirs from the tournament.
