Pattaya to host WAAP in November
The R&A and Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) announced yesterday the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship 2022 will be played at Siam Country Club in Pattaya from Nov 3-6.
The WAAP aims to inspire future generations of female golfers and provides the champion with a launchpad into international golf through exemptions into multiple major championships and elite amateur events.
The winner will be invited to compete in three major championships in 2023 — the Women’s British Open, Amundi Evian Championship and, for the first time, the Chevron Championship.
In addition, they will also be invited to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Hana Financial Group Championship.
R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific championship is at the pinnacle of the women’s amateur game in the region and we are thrilled to be taking it to such an outstanding venue.
“We established this championship to give the top women’s players the chance to excel and progress toward the professional game. We have undoubtedly succeeded when you look at the success of Yuka Saso [of Japan], Patty Tavatanakit and Atthaya Thitikul [both of Thailand] among others.
“We are looking forward to a fantastic championship as we visit Thailand and Siam Country Club for the first time.”
APGC chairman Taimur Hassan Amin said that the WAAP, first played in 2018, had already become a feature on the international amateur calendar and showcases the best golfers and courses in the region.
“Our region continues to be at the forefront of giving amateur golfers extraordinary global opportunities,” he said.
“Thailand is continuing to produce so many talented golfers, including Atthaya Thitikul, the inaugural WAAP champion, so it is fitting that the country will host the Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific championship for the first time.”