Pattaya preps to tee off with Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tourney

Pattaya, Chon Buri is set to host the world-renowned Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tournament. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event will feature 72 of the globe’s top female golfers, all vying for a total prize of US$1.7 million (62 million baht) from February 22-25.

Honda has also promised a brand-new Honda Accord e:HEV, e:HEV RS variant, valued at 1,799,000 baht, to the first player who scores a hole-in-one on the 16th hole.

This prestigious tournament, now in its 17th edition, will see a strong field of players, including 60 of the highest-ranked golfers from the 2023 LPGA Priority List.

Notable players include Lilia Vu, Céline Boutier and Ruoning Yin, who collectively won ten titles last year. The competition will also feature Allisen Corpuz, the US Women’s Open winner, former world No.1 Jin Young Ko, and Amy Yang, who is aiming for her fourth championship.

The tournament will provide a platform for Thai talent as well, with five golfers from the Priority List set to compete: Ariya Jutanugarn, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Jasmine Suwannapura, Chanettee Wannasaen, and Patty Tavatanakit.

The event will also host 12 invited players, half of whom are from Thailand. These include Moriya Jutanugarn, Natthakritta Vongtaveelap, Pornanong Phatlum, Jaravee Boonchant, Eila Galitsky, and Suwichaya Winitchayatham, the victor of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 National Qualifier.

Supoj Wongjarasawee, from the Advisory Group to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, is looking forward to the prestigious event.

“Golf has significantly elevated Thailand’s global reputation and has gained increasing popularity over time in the region, especially in the women’s game. Thailand itself is considered a Sports Destination for golf in the East Asian region.

“I believe that hosting the Honda LPGA Thailand event this time will further promote the golf industry in Thailand. Importantly, it will contribute to enhancing the country’s Soft Power, showcasing its excellence in both culinary and cultural aspects.”

Echoing these sentiments was Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chairman of the Board of Honda Automobile (Thailand).

“We take pride in contributing to developing women’s golf in Thailand. We would like to express our gratitude once again to all involved parties who have made this competition possible.

“We believe it will be another occasion where golf fans in Thailand and worldwide will join in cheering for golf with great excitement.”

Environmental initiatives

TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Nithee Seeprae, also expressed his support.

“TAT has been actively providing support to the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament for nine consecutive years. We have recognised the important role the tournament plays in promoting Thailand as a world-class destination for international golfers, offering more than 300 stunning courses of the highest standard and quality. As a result, the event has helped to expand golf tourism’s contribution to the Thai economy.”

In addition to the competition, the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tournament will also promote various environmental initiatives. These include electronic tickets in the form of QR codes to minimise paper waste, free drinking water refill stations to discourage the purchase of bottled water, electric vehicle (EV) shuttle buses for transportation, and the upcycling of vinyl signs as seating in the fan zone.

Tickets for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 are currently available in both general admission and VIP categories. Bangkok Bank credit card holders can avail of up to a 15% discount. Free admission is offered to those under 16 years old and above 60 years old.