Bangkok, 9 February, 2017 – A total of 70 female golfers are set to compete in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2017, Thailand’s premier ladies professional golf tournament sanctioned by LPGA and organised by BBTV Channel 7 and Honda Automobile (Thailand). The event will offer a total prize of US$1.6 million while Honda will also offer its new Honda Civic TURBO RS worth 1.19 million Baht for a hole-in-one on the 16th hole.
This year marks the event’s 11th edition, which will take place from 23-26 February, 2017 at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course in Pattaya, Chon Buri. The four-day competition will be in a 72-hole stroke play format with no cut.
The tournament will host a total of 70 players, including the 58 highest ranked golfers on the 2017 LPGA Priority List and 2 champions from the preceding 2017 LPGA tournaments including Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic 2017 and ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open 2017. In addition, there will be 10 invited players by sponsors, including Thai golf star, Ms. Ariya Jutanugarn.
Meanwhile, Ms. Lydia Ko of New Zealand who had four victories in 2016 will return to Honda LPGA Thailand for the first time as a professional golfer. In addition, 19-year-old Canadian, Ms. Brooke M. Henderson, picked up her first major – KPMG Women PGA Championships, will also make her first visit to Thailand.
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) said, “Honda LPGA Thailand is growing stronger and has tremendous success every year. The event is attended by thousands of local spectators, and is considered one of the most anticipated events for the LPGA players.”
Mr. Palakorn Somsuwan, Managing Director of BBTV Channel 11 said, “The 11th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament is considered to be the beginning of a fresh new decade. We do hope to draw more and more spectators due to the emergence of Thai players on the tour.”
As well as fun golf competitions, the four-day tournament also includes a Honda LPGA Charity Night, an auction of LPGA Players’ personal items donated to raise funds for the Chaipattana Foundation. This is one of Honda’s on-going social responsibility activities. And while Honda is committed to continue its recreation park project to improve local’s health and fitness, it has joined hands with BBTV Channel 7 to launch a new activity called “Borrowed Bicycle” project to give bicycles to the needy schools in Chon Buri.
For more information about the Honda LPGA Thailand 2017, please visit www.lpgathailand.com