Natthakritta gets LPGA berth

Natthakritta Vongtaveelap earned a place in the Hondal LPGA Thailand 2023 after winning the qualifying event yesterday.

She shot a 68 in the second and final round at Siam Country Club Rolling Hills in Pattaya yesterday. Her total score of 134 was one stroke better than Kornkamol Sukaree, who shot 135.

The 16th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand will be held at Siam Country Club Old Course from Feb 23-26 with a total purse of US$1.7 million.

A record number of 69 professional and amateur golfers took part in the qualifying tournament.

Natthakritta said: "I am happy with the victory because it was not easy and there were many good players in the field. It is a very proud moment for me to qualify for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2023.

"I'm sure it will be an amazing experience for all of us in the championship. I am looking forward to the Honda LPGA Thailand 2023."

The country's premier women's golf tournament will open its doors to fans for the first time since 2019 after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are ready to welcome domestic and international fans to watch top female players compete," said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, chairman of the board of Honda Automobile (Thailand).

Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen will defend her title at Siam Country Club.

Among Thai stars in the event will be major winners Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit and LPGA champions Moriya Jutanugarn and Atthaya Thitikul.

Ariya is the only Thai to have won the tournament when she beat Atthaya by one stroke in 2021.

Tickets are now available at www.hondalpgathailand.com.