Ariya to Lead Thai Challenge in Honda LPGA Thailand 2017.
2016 Player of the Year winner Ariya Jutanugarn will spearhead the local challenge into the US$ 1.6 million Honda LPGA Thailand which is due between February 23-26 2017 at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.
Bangkok Broadcasting & T.V. Co., Ltd. (BBTV Channel 7) and Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. confirm their collaboration to stage Thailand’s premier ladies professional golf tournament “Honda LPGA THAILAND 2017” during 23 - 26 February 2017 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course. The tournament has a total prize money pot of US$ 1.6 million (approximately 57 million Baht) with special prizes, a new Honda Civic TURBO RS worth 1,199,000 Baht for those who shoot a hole-in-one on the 16th hole. The field comprises the top 57 players from the LPGA Tour and 10 sponsor invites, including Thai golf starlet, Ariya Jutanugarn who will put herself forward for a victory in her home country.
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said “Honda LPGA Thailand is growing stronger and has tremendous success every year. Each year Top 57 LPGA players (based on LPGA’s Official Top Priority List) and winners of the first few tournaments of the year will compete in Honda LPGA Thailand. The event is well-received by thousands of local spectators. Every year Honda LPGA tournament draws more and more spectators and always creates fun and exciting experiences for all walks of life. It is considered one of the most awaiting events for LPGA players as well. Not only giving fun and excitement to its audiences, but the event has also inspired young Thai lady golfers. The prize purse of Honda LPGA Thailand 2017 is US$ 1.6 million, which is approximately 57 million Baht. This year Honda Automobile will offer a new Honda Civic TURBO RS for a Hole in One prize on Hole 16.
Mr. Palakorn Somsuwan, Managing Director of Bangkok Broadcasting & T.V. Co., Ltd. mentioned “BBTV Channel 7 has been granting the right to organize LPGA tournament in Thailand for over a decade. The tournament has always been well-received by top LPGA players to participate in the field. It is a great opportunity to showcase Thailand’s capability to host a world-class golf tournament. Besides, BBTV Ch7 and Honda Automobile (Thailand) always offer a chance to young Thai lady golfers to compete among professional LPGA players. The 11th edition of the Honda LPGA THAILAND is considered a new decade to start fresh. We do hope to draw more and more spectators due to the emerging of Thai players on the tour, spearheaded by Ariya Jutanugarn, who has a spectacular 2016 season and recently awarded the 2016 Rolex Player of the Year, the Race to CME Globe and a box of one million dollars in cash (approx. 35 millions Thai Baht) after the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Moreover, she won Heather Farr Perseverance Award voted by LPGA tour players. In her top form, we expect massive crowd to show their support during 4 round of the Honda LPGA THAILAND 2017 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.”
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn also added, “we will still host Honda LPGA Charity Night, which has an auction session of LPGA Players’ personal items donated to raise funds for the Chaipattana Foundation. It is one of Honda’s social responsibility activities that we have carried on for a long period of time. We will also continue the recreation park project to improve local’s health and fitness. BBTV Channel 7 and Honda have initiated new activity called “Borrowed Bicycle” project to give bicycles for the needy school in Chonburi province. The students can borrow these bicycles to go to school for free. The objective of this project is to provide an easier commute to school for them. Also, riding bicycle is a good exercise. These are two programs that we intend to give back to our community.”
The Honda LPGA THAILAND 2017, there will be 70 players. The 57 highest ranked golfers on the 2017 LPGA Priority List and 3 champions from the preceding 2017 LPGA tournaments which including Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers 2017 , Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic 2017 and ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open 2017. (In the event that the winner is already among the top-57 players, the next in line will automatically get into the tournament). There will also 10 exemptions. The four-day competition will be in a 72-hole stroke play format with no cut.
For more information about the Honda LPGA THAILAND 2016, please visit www.lpgathailand.com
