Poster Girls Driving Hard for More Success in 2022

Bangkok, Thailand: Ex-Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) stars Atthaya Thitikul and Patty Tavatanakit will once more be thrust into the limelight ahead of the 15th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Thanks to their stunning golfing exploits over the past three years, the Thai duo have become poster girls for the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET).

Winner of the inaugural WAAP in Singapore in 2018, Atthaya is currently 18th in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings, having topped the standings in last year’s LET’s Race to Costa del Sol title.

Meanwhile, Tavatanakit, who finished joint 15th, in the first staging of the WAAP, has risen to 13th in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings. Her highlight was winning last year’s ANA Inspiration, one of the LPGA Tour’s Major championships.

In May, both challenged for victory in the Honda LPGA Thailand at Pattaya’s Siam Country Club when the event was held behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the final standings, Atthaya placed second and Tavatanakit equal third, both being pipped at the post by compatriot Ariya Jutanugarn.

Nonetheless, their performances further underlined the important role the Honda LPGA continues to play in the development of Thai players.

With the 15th version of the US$1.6 million event due to take place over Siam Country Club’s venerable Old Course from March 10-13, Noriyuki Takakura, President and CEO of Honda Automobile (Thailand), underscored his company’s commitment to the tournament.

He said: “In conjunction with the Honda LPGA Thailand’s 15 year anniversary, we are extremely committed to our role of continuously raising the standards of golf in Thailand while empowering young golfers everywhere to pursue their ambitions.

“As such, we are pleased to introduce our new theme for the tournament titled ‘Beyond Greatness’ that is aligned with our goals of encouraging people across the nation to overcome boundaries and strive for excellence.

“In the last 15 years of world-class golf at the Honda LPGA Thailand, we have seen our Thai golfers repeatedly accomplish great successes from upcoming and promising golf talents like Atthaya Thitikul and Patty Tavatanakit to Ariya Jutanugarn’s momentous win at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021, proving that with the right determination, anyone and everyone can go ‘Beyond Greatness’.

“Despite having to re-examine the procedures and strategies behind the Honda LPGA Thailand due to the current circumstances, we believe this tournament is still a significant platform that not only acts as an opportunity for top professional golfers but also as a launching pad for young Thai golfers to prove themselves on a world stage. We look forward to once again playing our part in promoting the country as the ideal golf tourism destination.”

Ariya said: “Winning the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 was one of my greatest achievements because it was in my home country. I have consistently worked hard and persevered for this very moment, making it the most memorable accomplishment of my career. I am grateful to the Honda LPGA Thailand for continuously serving as a platform for local and international golfers to compete in a tournament that aims to spark greatness at all levels.

“I am so proud to see just how much Thai golf talent has increased in the last 15 years with many young enthusiasts joining the playing field. I look forward to once again giving my best at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 and inspiring upcoming golfers as much as they inspire me.”