Thai LPGA will become better, say organisers
Organisers have vowed to make next year’s Honda LPGA Thailand its best ever edition.
It will be the 10th edition of the event which was launched in 2006 with the 2008 tournament cancelled.
The ninth tournament ended on Sunday at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya with South Korea’s Amy Yang claiming the title.
The 70-player field attracted 37,784 spectators including 15,708 foreigners with 197 journalists including 57 foreigners covering the tournament, according to the organisers.
So far, the 2013 edition has attracted the biggest crowd with 47,932 when Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn squandered a two-shot lead at the final hole to finish second.
Palakorn Somsuwan, managing director of organiser Channel 7, said he was very satisfied with this year’s tournament and promised to make next year’s edition even better.
“It will be the 10th edition and we want to make it a special event for fans,” he said.
“We have plans and I am sure that it will be the biggest and best ever Honda LPGA Thailand.”
Channel 7 will organise the LPGA Thailand until at least 2019 after signing a new contract with the LPGA Tour.
Prasertchai Phornprapha of Siam Country Club said he believed the course would host the tournament again next year.
Ariya, who was the best Thai at this year’s tournament with her joint 13th place, said that the Honda LPGA Thailand was one of the most popular events among tour players.
“As far as I know, everyone enjoys the tournament,’’ said the 19-year-old.
Apart from her aim to win at least one tournament this year, the LPGA Tour rookie also hopes to qualify for all five major tournaments.