Top-ranked golfers, including Lilia Vu, Céline Boutier, Ruoning Yin, and Thailand’s favorite, Ariya Jutanugarn, to headline this prestigious event at Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya, from February 22-25

(Bangkok – 9 February 2024) Honda LPGA Thailand 2024, in its 17th edition, promises world-class excitement with a star-studded line-up spearheaded by top-ranked players Lilia Vu, Céline Boutier, Ruoning Yin, and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn. The tournament will feature 72 golfers vying for a total prize purse of US$1.7 million (approx. 62 million baht) and an exclusive reward – the all-new Honda Accord e:HEV, e:HEV RS variant, valued at 1,799,000 Baht – for the first player who makes a Hole-in-One at the 16th hole. The event takes place from February 22-25, at Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya, Chonburi.

Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chairman of the Board of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said: “Honda LPGA Thailand continues to create new milestones and excitement for the Thai golf scene. For this occasion, we are ready to inspire everyone again, with the tournament receiving positive responses from leading women golfers globally, including both Thai and international players. The competition will be led by Lilia Vu, the world’s top-ranked golfer, who will defend her title. Additionally, 11 Thai golfers are participating, led by Ariya Jutanugarn, a former world No.1 and past champion of this event. Furthermore, Honda has prepared a special prize for the first golfer to achieve a Hole-in-One at the 16th hole – the all-new Honda Accord e:HEV, e:HEV RS variant, valued at 1,799,000 THB. We believe this will add more vibrancy to the competition.

“On behalf of Honda LPGA 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.”

For Honda LPGA Thailand 2024, the 72-strong field includes 60 golfers from the ‘Priority List’ of the 2023 LPGA Tour, 12 invited players, including the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 National Qualifiers winner. Among the Priority List golfers are Lilia Vu, Céline Boutier and Ruoning Yin. Last year, these three players excelled, collectively winning a total of 10 titles. Lilia secured four championships, including two majors; Céline claimed four titles, including one major; and Yin captured two titles, including one major. Additionally, Allisen Corpuz, the U.S. Women’s Open winner, and former world No.1 Jin Young Ko are confirmed participants, along with Amy Yang, who is competing for her fourth championship. For Thai players from the Priority List, there are five golfers: Ariya Jutanugarn, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Jasmine Suwannapura, Chanettee Wannasaen, and Patty Tavatanakit.

Twelve players earned sponsor invitations, including six players from Thailand. Leading the Thai contingent are Moriya Jutanugarn, Natthakritta Vongtaveelap, Pornanong Phatlum, Jaravee Boonchant, Eila Galitsky, and Suwichaya Winitchayatham, who triumphed at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 National Qualifier. Additionally, invitations were extended to Yuting Shi of China, and sisters Chisato Iwai and Akie Iwai from Japan, along with Luci Li from America.

American Lilia Vu, the defending champion, said: “Winning the championship at Honda LPGA Thailand was a great start to 2023 and the best season of my professional career. I feel excited and ready to come back to defend the title and meet Thai fans, who will have even more fun cheering this year. New faces among the LPGA champions and new Thai athletes are joining the event, making it even more enjoyable.”

Pajaree Anannarukarn, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour, said: “The Honda LPGA Thailand holds a special place in my heart. It’s a competition on a great golf course, played in front of Thai golf fans and many Thai golf friends. The atmosphere is unmatched and I will give my best in every aspect.”

Mr. Supoj Wongjarasawee, Advisory Group to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said: “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.”

Ms. Winnie Heng, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at IMG Services (Thailand) Ltd., the event organizer, said: “We are delighted to welcome everyone to the 2024 Honda LPGA Thailand, an event that caters to individuals of all lifestyles and ages. In addition to the thrilling golf competition for sports enthusiasts, families can partake in the various booth activities hosted by our fantastic sponsors and indulge in our delicious food and beverage offerings. Moreover, you can catch the live broadcast on PPTVHD 36 throughout the four days of competition.”

Mr. Taya Konuntakiet, President of Siam Country Club, added: “Siam Country Club Old Course is ready to welcome athletes and fans, having recently received the prestigious Thai Golf Course of the Year 2023 award from the World Golf Awards. We have consistently maintained the course in excellent condition and upheld the standards required by the LPGA Tour, providing a challenging environment for golfers. Additionally, there have been interior enhancements to the clubhouse and improvements to the surroundings of the clubhouse.”

Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tickets are now available in both general admission and VIP categories at www.hondalpgathailand.com. Bangkok Bank credit card holders can enjoy discounts of up to 15%. Individuals under 16 and those above 60 can register for free admission.

For more details, follow updates at www.hondalpgathailand.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lpgaThailand, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hondalpgathailand.