The Honda LPGA Thailand is gearing up for its 16th edition of it renowned tournament where the world’s leading female golfers will go head-to-head at the prestigious Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya from February 23rd – 26th, 2023.
Honda LPGA Thailand 2023 will also welcome fans back for the first time since 2019. One of the tournament’s highlights will be the increased prize purse to US$1.7 million. The tournament will also be organising key programmes as part of their “Road to Honda LPGA Thailand ” initiative that focuses on the growth and development of the golf industry in Thailand. The efforts include the National Qualifiers which offers upcoming local amateur and professional players the chance to compete for a spot at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Other initiatives featured are the Young Ambassadors Programme, targeted at students interested in sports management and providing them the opportunity to join the organising team behind the tournament and the Junior Golf Clinic, a training session for teenage golfers with a professional player.
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chairman of the Board of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. shared, “Honda is pleased to announce that the world-class tournament will be making another comeback that will have a positive impact in Thailand’s golf industry once again. In terms of preparedness, we are ready to welcome back domestic and international fans to witness the top 70 female golfers including defending champion, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, major winner, Patty Tavatanakit, local fan-favourites, May-Ariya Jutanugarn and Mo-Moriya Jutanugarn and the leading rookie of the year, Jeen-Atthaya Thitikul. We believe the tournament will be filled with more fun and excitement than ever.”
The return of 70 of the leading female golfers to Honda LPGA Thailand 2023 to compete for the US$1.7 million prize money and additional exciting prizes from other sponsors, makes it one of Asia’s biggest golf tournaments. Audiences will get to witness renowned golf professionals including defending champion, Nanna Koerstz Madsen who made an eagle on the second playoff hole to secure her first maiden LPGA title at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022.
In 2006, only four Thai players qualified for the Honda LPGA Thailand. Fast forward to today, the tournament’s initiatives have proved successful with a total of 11 Thai players qualifying for the 2022 edition. The current highest-ranked Thai player, Atthaya Thitikul, initially participated as a sponsor invitee at the tournament from 2017 to 2022 with better performances each year. Winning two LPGA tournaments in her rookie year at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship & JTBC Classic winner, the 19-year-old breakout player has since qualified for the Honda LPGA Thailand from the LPGA Priority List for the first time. Other Thai phenomenon such as Patty Tavatanakit (2021 ANA Inspiration champion), Moriya Jutanugarn (two-time LPGA winner) and Ariya Jutanugarn (Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 winner), who have gone on to win LPGA tournaments on a global scale, will also be making a comeback at the tournament.
“It feels great to return to the Honda LPGA Thailand 2023. This tournament will always hold a special place in my heart with it being my first LPGA victory. It was a dream come true to win and set a scoring record at the same time. I look forward to another exhilarating tournament ahead,” said Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 champion, Nanna Koerstz Madsen.
World number two, Atthaya Thitikul shared, “Honda LPGA Thailand has been a tournament I’ve been watching since I was nine years old. In 2017 I was honoured to receive a sponsor invitation followed by joining as a rookie in 2022. With this year being the best year of my golf career, I’m so proud that my achievements have allowed me to qualify for the 2023 tournament from the LPGA Priority List for the first time. I will always do my best to make my fans proud and hope to inspire a future generation just as I was inspired when I grew up watching this tournament.”
“Since playing my first Honda LPGA Thailand in 2007, I feel like I’ve grown together with this tournament over the years. It’s been a privilege to see how the tournament has continuously opened up numerous opportunities for golfers and fans. I feel that in recent years, our golf industry and fellow Thai golfers have developed with a lot more potential which is proof of Honda LPGA Thailand’s commitment in elevating the Thai golf industry,” commented 12-time LPGA winner, Ariya Jutanugarn.
As the tournament returns to the home of the Honda LPGA Thailand, the Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya, players can look forward to teeing off at one of the best golf courses in Asia. In addition to the Honda LPGA Thailand, the Siam Country Club has also welcomed some of Thailand’s most prominent tournaments for professional and amateurs of all ages and gender such as the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP) and the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Series. The 7,162-yard, par-72 Old Course known for its excellent standards and challenge will once again serve as the perfect battleground for the world’s leading players.
For more ticketing information and tournament updates on the Honda LPGA Thailand 2023, visit https://hondalpgathailand.com/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lpgaThailand or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hondalpgathailand.
