Atthaya returns to scene of her greatest triumph
Teen prodigy and ex-champion Atthaya Thitikul will spearhead the local challenge when the Ladies European Thailand (LET) Championship is staged for the third time in Pattaya next month.
Atthaya made headlines around the world in the same event two years ago when, as an amateur, she beat the pros to win the title and become the youngest ever winner on the Ladies European Tour at the age of 14 years, 4 months and 19 days.
Unable to defend her title 12 months ago due to other commitments, the 16-year-old – she is still an amateur – will return to the coastal resort stronger and better with highlight wins from the 2018 Youth Olympic Games mixed doubles (with Vanchai Luangnitikul) and the 2018 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship.
“I cannot wait to return to the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club again as I have a great memory there,” said Atthaya, who claimed her first title of the season, the Thailand Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship near Bangkok
Thailand also has the defending champion in Pattaya -– Kanyalak Preedasuttijit succeeded Atthaya by keeping the trophy on home soil last year, claiming a one-stroke victory over South Korean amateur Selin Hyun.
The LET Thailand Championship, the 10th stop of the LET Tour in 2019 and the only one in this region, will be competed in a 72-hole stroke play format over four days, from June 20-23. Only the top 60 players will qualify for the weekend.
Chanya Swangchitr
“Once again, we are glad to welcome leading golfers from around the world and from Thailand to compete in the tournament,” said Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club president Chanya Swangchitr.
“Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club is in high gear to welcome players to a perfect condition course full of challenge,” she added.
The LET Thailand Championship will feature a total of 126 players – 70 from the LET rankings, 40 from the Thai LPGA rankings plus 16 through sponsor invites – and offers total prizemoney of 300,000 Euros (Bt11 million).
Supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club and Wangson Image Company Limited, the Ladies European Thailand Championship is co-sanctioned by Ladies European Tour (LET) and the Thai Ladies Professional Golf Association (Thai LPGA).
