THAILAND GAINS RICH REWARDS FROM LPGA EVENT
Since its debut in 2006, the Honda LPGA Thailand has become one of the popular women’s tournaments in Asia and on the tour calendar.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the tournament, won by Lexi Thompson, earlier this year, the prize money purse was increased to US$1.6 million, a $100,000 boost on last year’s edition and $300,000 more than the inaugural event.
“The tournament has continued to grow since we started title-sponsoring it 10 years ago,” said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, COO of Honda Automobile [Thailand].
“I can say that its popularity is just behind the major LPGA Tour events.”
The tournament has attracted more than 340,000 fans to the course since its start with the highest number of 48,000 being recorded at the 2013 edition when local star Ariya Jutanugarn vied for the title until the final hole, which she triple-bogeyed to lose to South Korea’s Park In-Bee.
Many golfers have played in the event on numerous occasions, however Suzann Pettersen and Brittany Lang are the only two players who have taken part in every edition.
“We are really proud to welcome all these players every year. Their willingness to join the tournament means they are happy with us,” said Pitak.
He added that apart from the beauty of Thailand and Siam Country Club Old Course Pattaya, the key factor in attracting the big names has been the hospitality extended to the players and the good event management by the organising committee.
“It is not only the players but their family members and caddies are also looked after well here. Moreover, the event is held at the start of the season, so every golfer wants to be here to gain confidence for the rest of the season.
“It is my observation that players winning the title in Thailand normally do well throughout the year.”
The Honda LPGA Thailand has played an important part in the development of women golf in the country.
When it started 10 years ago, there was no Thai playing on the LPGA Tour. The tournament organisers invited the local players to join the stars and learn from participating in a quality event.
The Thais gradually honed their skills and were motivated to stand up to challenges. Among them have been the Jutanugarn sisters — Ariya and Moriya — and Pornanong Phatlum. This season, there are nine Thai players on the LPGA Tour and there are hopes for the first Thai winner on the tour emerging this year.
“I also want to see other private sector firms play a part in cultivating our Thai players,” Pitak said.
In the wake of political problems suffered by the country, the tournament has also helped boost foreigners’ confidence in Thailand’s ability to play host to world-class sport events.
Pitak was more than satisfied with the success achieved by the tournament, however the most memorable one for him has been the 2010 edition when his favourite player Ai Miyazato won the title.
“In the final round, I followed her for a few holes but unfortunately she did not do well on those holes. It happened on many holes.
“That year, the winner was decided on the final hole. So when she was going to make the winning putt, I decided to walk away to the clubhouse and it worked like a charm.
“I heard people roar and then I came back and shook hands with her.”
Pitak confirmed that he would stick to the same 70-player format (top-60 from the money list and 10 invitations) as “it ensured with a quality” and made things easier for the hosts.