The world's leading players, led by defending champion Lilia Vu, are once more primed to dazzle at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024, one of the jewels in the crown of professional golf in Asia, organisers said yesterday.
Featuring a star-studded cast, the 72-hole stroke play event will be staged at the Old Course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya from Feb 22-25, 2024, and will offer a prize fund of US$1.7 million (approx 62 million baht).
Within a 72-player line-up, fans will witness the presence of world No.1 Vu, a two-time major victor, alongside a robust contingent from Thailand.
Celebrating its 17th edition next year, the Honda LPGA Thailand is one of the region's longest-running female golf events.
On a thrilling final day at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2023 at Siam Country Club in February, Vu held off the challenge of Thai rookie Natthakrita Vongtaveelap to claim her maiden LPGA Tour title, which proved the catalyst for a sensational season.
She has since won two major crowns at the Chevron Championship and the Women's British Open, as well as last week's The Annika.
"The Honda LPGA Thailand was truly a memorable event for me because it was my first win on the LPGA Tour. Starting the season strong in Thailand gave me confidence for the tournaments that followed," said Vu.
Thai players who will take part in the 2004 edition include Natthakrita, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Patty Tavatanakit, Ariya Jutanugarn and Atthaya Thitikul.
Ariya's triumph in the Honda LPGA Thailand in 2021, when she edged out Atthaya by one stroke, remains the only Thai victory in the event.
Pitak Pruittisarikorn, chairman of the board, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co, said: "Renowned for its rich history, the Honda LPGA Thailand is set to captivate golf enthusiasts once again.
"The recent outstanding performances by Thai golfers in this event, combined with their results on the international stage, make us believe that the competition for the championship among Thai women golfers this time will be even more exciting than before."
Major champion Patty said: "This event plays a crucial role in promoting Thailand as a golf destination. It has successfully attracted tourists to play golf in Thailand, and it's been great for Thailand."