‘Man-eater’ Arpichaya sharpens claws for inaugural Thai WPGA tournament
Teen sensation Atthaya Thitikul and Kanyalak Preedasuttijit will be among star players teeing off at this month’s Phoenix Ladies Classic, the inaugural tournament of the Thai Women’s Professional Golf Association (WPGA).
The newly-established Thai WPGA has dangled Bt1 million in prize money to lure a strong field of 136 pros and amateurs to the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club Pattaya from March 26-28.
After the first two rounds of the 54-hole tournament, the top 60 players will advance to a final-round shootout for the rich prizes.
Registration for the tournament is open until March 15 for members of either a golf association or club. Ranking points will be awarded to participants and taken into account for entry into future Thai WPGA tournaments.
Atthaya and Kanyalak will be looking to exploit their familiarity with the Phoenix Gold course. Both rose to fame here by dominating the first three editions of the Thailand Ladies European Championship – Atthaya in 2017 and 2019, Kanyalak in 2018.
But they face stiff competition from upstart Arpichaya Yubol, 19, who made headlines by conquering the country’s top male pros to win the Thailand Mixed in Hua Hin last month. Other strong challengers include Chonlada Chayanun from Nakhon Ratchasima and LPGA player Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras from Roi Et.
The new Thai WPGA board members will be announced by its president Chanya Sawangchitr before the tournament on March 24.
The Phoenix Ladies Classic, sponsored by Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club Pattaya, P Overseas Steel Public Company Ltd and other partners, is designed to help local players sharpen their skills for the global stage. Visit www.thaiwomentour.com.
