THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Ariya Leads 7 Thais in Search for Thailand LPGA Glory

Ariya Leads 7 Thais in Search for Thailand LPGA Glory

A total of seven Thai players spearheaded by world No 2 Ariya Jutanugarn will take part in the US$1.6 Million Honda LPGA Thailand which is due at the at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course between February 23-26.

The five-time LPGA winner, her elder sister Moriya, Thai No 1 Pornanong Phatlum plus four wildcard players which are Japan Tour based Porani Chutichai, and three teenagers Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras, Pajaree Anannarukarn and Atthaya Thitikul will carry the Thai flags into the country’s biggest golf tournament which features 70 star players including world No 1 Lydia Ko, who will make her debut in Pattaya.

“The tournament is always interesting because there are many top players and the course itself is quite a challenge for players. But having Lydia this year will give something extra to the tournament. There will be a lot of junior players coming to watch her and get some inspiration from her,” said Ariya who is currently training in the US. The 2016 LPGA player of the year enjoyed her best attempt in Pattaya with the runner-up position in 2013.

“I always feel excited every time I compete at home. (Even I am No 2 in the world now) I won’t feel much different from other years as I’m more concerned on things that I have to do and try not to think about something else,” added the 21-year-old who will play the Australian Women’s Open ahead of her participation at the Siam Country Club Old Course.

Since her last presence in the event 11 years ago, the 31-year-old Porani has never again strutted her stuff in the LPGA Thailand as she is fully committed to the Japan Tour. She hoped that five years of experience in Japan and a win in the 2016 Yonex Ladies Golf would benefit her in the LPGA home tournament.

“I expect to have a good time during the tournament. But at the same time I want to hit under score every day. I’m really excited to return to the tournament after such a long time,” said the national International Crown team player who finished at 48 th in the inaugural edition in 2006.

Ariya Leads 7 Thais in Search for Thailand LPGA Glory

Pajaree Anannarukarn, Porani Chutichai and Atthaya Thitikul

Atthaya, the youngest in the 70-player-field at 13 years, is in escapade to receive a once in a life time opportunity to play in her biggest competition thus far. Furthermore it will be a dream come true for the young girl to take part in the same tournament with the Thai no 1  Ariya whom grew up watching Ariya as her idol.  

“I admire her never-give-up attitude. Through thick and thin, she keeps fighting to pursue her dream and finalized it. If I can play in the same squad with her it will be a dream come true,” said Atthaya.

The field of 70 players, 58 from the 2017 LPGA Priority List,  2 winners from the 2017 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic and the 2017 ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open 2017 and 10 invitation spots,  will compete in a stroke-play format with no cut-off.

Apart from the competition, there will be CSR activities like usual such as the Charity Night to raise funds from players’ items through auction and a new campaign called “Honda LPGA THAILAND 2017 – Bicycles Sharing Project”.

“We will donate 20 bicycles together with parking lanes, wheel locking tools, pumps and maintenance tools to Marbprachan School in Chonburi province. The students can borrow these bicycles to go to school for free,” said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said.

Golf fans can purchase admission tickets at Thai Ticket Major  (Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24 : BT300/day;  BT400 for February 25 and BT500 for February 26 and BT800 for a four-day Package). Children below 18 and senior citizens over 60 are exempt from entry free.

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