Park takes AIM at Honda Thailand
WORLD NO 2 Park In-bee hopes to replicate her success of three years ago when she tees off at the US$1.6 million Honda LPGA Thailand, which takes place next week at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.
The 27-year-old South Korean, winner of five titles last season, claimed the trophy here three years ago when Thai ace Ariya Jutanugarn, who led by two shots, made a triple bogey on the final hole.
Park, who made an unfortunate start to the season by withdrawing from the first round in Bahamas after an injury, took a few weeks rest to recover and is ready to compete in her favourite tournament once again.
“I took a few weeks off after the first event in the Bahamas. I am feeling healthy again. I believe I’ve got rid of the off season rust and I am ready to start playing at the highest level again.
“It’s amazing to see how much this event has done for the growth of golf in Thailand. It has got bigger and better every year and it’s always one of the favourite stops of the year for the players.
“The fan support is always terrific and seems to grow every year,” said Park.
Park finished second in 2014 and tied for seventh last year. “I’ve played really well in Thailand the last three years and hope to continue the rich vein of form.
I have great memories from my win in 2013 and hope to recreate that success again this year,” Park said.
Thailand will field seven players, including Budsabakorn Sukapan, in this year’s edition. The 19-year-old will enter the competition as one of the five players on sponsor’s invitation list.
“It is such a great honour for me that BBTV Channel 7 and Honda have offered me another chance to play in this tournament. I would like to thank all of them and will play my best,” Budsabakorn said.
Budsabakorn debuted as an amateur and finished tied 49th in last year’s tournament. This year she is coming as a professional golfer and aiming to perform better than last year.
“I will focus more on my putting and short game. I am ready and I will try my best. One gets the best result when one tries the hardest.
“I have played at Siam Country Club many times as a member of the national team. The greens are difficult and reading the line of putts is a task indeed. But overall the conditions are great,” she said.
Besides Budsabakorn, Pornanong Phatlum, Ariya Jutanugarn, the two Thai players from 2016 LPGA Priority List, Moriya Jutanugarn, Thidapa Suwannapura, Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras and Paphang-korn Tavatanakit will be there to delight the local fans.
Golf enthusiasts can purchase their tickets at Thaiticketmajor branches. The ticket prices are Bt300 on February 25 and 26, Bt400 on February 27 and Bt500 on February 28.
The season ticket costs Bt800. There is free entry for children below 18 years old and senior citizens over 60 years old.
McIlroy ready
Rory McIlroy has set his sights on regaining the world No 1 ranking from Jordan Spieth in time for the Masters as he prepares to make his debut at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles this week.
The Northern Irishman, who has slipped to third in the latest world rankings behind Spieth and Australia’s Jason Day, hopes his appearance in California can kick-start his season.
“I can get off to a good start [to the] year, there’s no reason why I can’t be the No. 1 player in the world going into Augusta,” said McIlroy, who is chasing a career Grand Slam at the Masters.
“That’s a goal of mine, to get off to a fast start ... and try to reclaim that position as quickly as I can.”
This week’s Northern Trust at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades should suit McIlroy’s strong ball-striking game.
“I’ve heard Riviera is a great course, and I want to go play there in LA, and I think it’ll be a good course for me,” said McIlroy.
Spieth meanwhile has already experienced the Riviera’s challenging layout.
He was part of the Texas college team that won the NCCA championship at the course in 2012, tied for 12th there in 2014 before finishing tied for fourth there last season.
“This tournament means a lot to me,” said Spieth. “I think this is one of the greatest golf courses in the world. This event is one that I owe a lot back to.”
The tournament tees off tomorrow.
