Honda LPGA to tee off on March 10 with field of 70 golfers
The Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 tournament is all set to host top women golfers and offer a prize purse of $1.6 million (THB52 million) as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, Honda and IMG announced in a press release.
The tournament will be held at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya from March 10 to 13.
The tournament is expected to feature a field of 70 golfers, including 56 professionals from the 2022 LPGA Priority List. The list includes major champions like Chevron Championship 2021 winner Patty Tavatanakit, a rising Thai golf star. The line-up also includes the tournament’s first Thai winner and current defending champion, Ariya Jutanugarn.
Fans can also look forward to participation by up-and-coming Thai golf stars like Atthaya Thitikul, Moriya Jutanugarn and Chanettee Wannasaen. Additionally, the tournament has given rising golfers Pornanong Phatlum, Jaravee Boonchant and Rina Tatematsu the opportunity to compete.
“We look forward to one of our most exciting tournaments yet to mark our 15th anniversary,” said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, chairman of the Honda Automobile (Thailand) board.
“This tournament has been an important platform for the past 15 years and counting, and has been a launching pad for young Thai golfers to prove themselves on a world stage,” he said.
“The all-new Honda HR-V e:HEV, the e:HEV RS variant, valued at 1,179,000 baht, will be gifted to the first player to make a hole-in-one on the par-3 16th hole.”
The tournament is also dedicated to continuing support for charities, with money being donated to Siriraj Foundation in Bangkok and the National Qualifiers’ registration fees that will directly benefit Pong Primary Hospital in Chonburi, the press statement said.
The championship will adhere to Covid-19 guidelines, which only allow a limited attendance this year with no tickets available.
“Winning the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 trophy was one of my greatest achievements because it was in my home country,” Ariya said. “I look forward to once again giving my all at Honda LPGA Thailand 2022.”
Said Patty: “I am truly excited to be able to play in front of an audience again and know that we will all strive to do our best.”
Meanwhile, Nittaya Kerdjuntuk, director of the Office of the Professional Sports Committee under the Sports Authority of Thailand, said: “The Sports Authority of Thailand is excited about this year’s Honda LPGA Thailand. The tournament has been pivotal in developing golf in Thailand while also setting an example for sports excellence at an international level.”
IMG Thailand senior vice president and managing director Winnie Heng said that “in celebration of its 15th anniversary, Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 has introduced a new theme titled ‘Beyond Greatness’, which aims to elevate the standards of golf in Thailand and inspire a future generation of golfers”.
Golf fans can watch the tournament on PPTV HD 36 from 12pm or on www.pptvhd36.com, Facebook, YouTube or the PPTVHD36 application.
