Patty leads local challenge at Thai LPGA
Some 70 top players will take part in next month’s Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 to be held behind closed doors, organisers said yesterday.
The field will be led by defending champion Amy Yang of South Korea and ANA Inspiration winner Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand.
The US$1.6 million (about 50 million baht) event will be held at Siam Country Club in Chon Buri from May 6-9.
“The Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 will welcome over 70 world-class golfers,” said said Winnie Heng, vice president and managing director for Thailand at IMG.
“It will be held without spectators with strict Covid-19 protocols. We have worked closely with our partners and health officials to ensure safety for players and involved parties.
“We are confident that the Honda LPGA Thailand will again be a successful tournament this year.”
The competition will be televised live on PPTV HD.
Yang, the most decorated star of the tournament with three wins, will defend the title she won in 2019 as the event was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Korean was also crowned champion in 2015 and 2017.
Patty, who won the ANA Inspiration this month, and her compatriots will try to become the first Thai to win the tournament.
“I have participated in the Honda LPGA Thailand twice but this will be my first time as a professional golfer so I am really excited,” said Patty, whose Thai name is Paphangkorn.
Other Thais in the field include twotime major winner Ariya Jutanugarn, her sister Moriya, Jasmine Suwannapura, Pornanong Phatlum, and teenage sensation Atthaya Thitikul.
The tournament also features 2017 Women’s PGA Championship winner Danielle Kang and 2020 Women’s British Open champion Sophia Popov.