Formidable field lined up for ladies’ event
WORLD number one Jin Young Ko, 17-time LPGA winner Lydia Ko and defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn will headline the Honda LPGA Thailand next month.
Honda, in partnership with IMG, will host the Us$1.6mil tournament at Siam Country Club in Pattaya from March 10 to 13, where a field of 70 golfers, including 56 professionals from the 2022 LPGA Priority List, will assemble.
The organisers also confirmed that among the other star players who have committed to the event are Hugel-air Premia LA Open 2021 champion Brooke Henderson of Canada, 2022 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions winner Danielle Kang of the US, Thailand’s ANA Inspiration (to be known as Chevron Championship) champion and Rookie of the Year Patty Tavatanakit, US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso of Japan and Evian Championship winner Minjee Lee of Australia.
This is the basis of a formidable field and the tournament certainly got the nod from its star players.
“Winning the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 was one of my greatest achievements because it was in my home country,” said
Jutanugarn. “I am grateful to the Honda LPGA Thailand for continuously serving as a platform for local and international golfers to compete in a tournament that aims to spark greatness.
“I look forward to giving my all at the Honda LPGA. I am also excited to share the playing field with other Thai players and want to inspire upcoming golfers as much as they inspire me.”
Two-time Major champion Lydia Ko said: “The last two years have been years of adapting and growing. I believe I have grown a lot as a player and I want to continue doing my best and getting better at each tournament.
“I’m so happy to be a part of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 and can’t wait for what the event will bring,” she added.
Twenty-two year-old Patty Tavatanakit said: “The Honda LPGA Thailand has been a thrilling experience as we compete for a chance to win this esteemed title that is recognised worldwide. I am truly excited to be in the tournament and back home again, and know that we will all strive to do our best in performance.
“I am also thankful to the Honda LPGA Thailand for creating one of the most elite fields in golf and showcasing Thailand so beautifully on this stage.”
Honda Automobile (Thailand) chairman P it ak pruitt is ariko rn added: “We look forward to one of our most exciting tournaments yet, to mark our 15th anniversary. This year’s championship will welcome back a remarkable line-up featuring the best golf talents locally and internationally.”