Honda LPGA Thailand Contributing to the Development of Golf in Thailand

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 5, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., in partnership with IMG, announced today that they will be hosting the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 from February 20 to 23, 2020, at the Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course, Chonburi, Thailand. Top female golfers from around the world will once again be vying for a prize purse of $1.6 million USD or approximately 53 million Baht.

Aligned with Thailand’s strategy to promote sports tourism, the tournament will continue its series of activities under the “Road to Honda LPGA Thailand” theme to expand golf in Thailand beyond player development as well as educating and empowering the golf industry with the skills and knowledge required to organize world-class golf tournaments. The Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 will be used as a platform for Thai female golfers to fine-tune their skills in preparation for the Olympics. The tournament is also aiming to be the most Sustainable Golf Tournament in Thailand.

Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 will continue to be held under the theme ‘Dream Big’ so as to inspire interest in golf and build passion among professionals, enthusiasts and junior players from all backgrounds and at all levels. Honda believes in ‘The Power of Dreams’. We would like to encourage everyone to pursue and realize their dreams, and have always believed that anyone can achieve great success if they are determined.”

“The Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 will feature 70 female golfers, including 56 professionals from the 2020 LPGA Priority List, the winner of 2020 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, the winner of 2020 Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio, the winner of 2020 ISPS Handa Vic Open, the winner of 2020 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, eight invited players as well as the winner from the Honda LPGA Thailand National Qualifiers and the winner from the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Championship 2020, which will be held prior to the Honda LPGA Thailand., Thai golfer Atthaya ‘Jean’ Thitikul is a former champion of the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific in 2018. We hope that next year, Thai fans will continue to enjoy golf and cheer for their favorite golfers,” said Pitak.

“Last year was another milestone for the tournament and for Thailand. We had continuous success and saw an increase in charity and funding throughout the tournament from our Charity Night, and activities such as Beat-the-Pro, and Chip-4-Charity, which allowed the spectators to play a part in the fundraising initiatives. The proceeds collected have gone to support local communities and schools to promote education and improve the learning environment of children as well as the Siriraj Foundation.”

Mr. Wiboon Champangeun, Director of Promotion and Developing Professional Sports – Sports Authority of Thailand said “Golf at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, will feature two events, one each for men and women. We hope that the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 will be used as a platform for Thai female golfers to fine-tune their skills in preparation for the Olympics.”

In 2020, a collaboration between Honda and the Sports Authority of Thailand will again arrange special events leading up to the Honda LPGA Thailand, namely ‘The Road to Honda LPGA Thailand’, which aims to further develop golf in Thailand as a whole. Starting with the Young Ambassadors Program this December, catered to students who have an interest in golf and sports management. Selected students will stand a chance of obtaining an internship abroad to work on more international golf events. There will also be the National Qualifiers in January 2020 at Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course. The winner will obtain a spot to play in the Honda LPGA Thailand. During the tournament week, there will also be a Golf Leaders Conference – a special event held for industry experts, to further equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed for hosting international golf tournaments.

During the 2020 tournament, there will be many activities including the Honda LPGA Thailand Junior Golf Clinic, young golfers can learn tips and gain key insights on how to improve their game, from Pro golfers.

Mr. Ronnakij Ekasingh, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City said, “Pattaya is well prepared and ready to be the host venue of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 again at The Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course, which is filled with excellent courses and is listed in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list for 2018. Asia Golf Week also rates it as the Best Maintained Golf Course in the Asia Pacific. In addition, we have five-star hotels and resorts, fine local restaurants and beautiful tourist attractions, the resort city is the perfect destination to welcome and impress all visitors throughout the year.”

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “We aim to grow the sport of golf and sports tourism to boost Thailand’s reputation worldwide and attract more high-spending visitors to the country from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore as well as Europe and US. Last year we welcomed 38 million foreign tourists amongst whom 470,000 were golf sport tourists that generated THB 6.3 billion for tourism income. We are proud that Thailand has over 300 golf courses that are of the highest standard and quality, to welcome international golfers and visitors. We also have Ariya “May” Jutanugarn, and Moriya “Mo” Jutanugarn, as Brand Ambassadors to help promote Thailand and inspire our next generation of golfers.

Ms. Winnie Heng, Vice President & Managing Director, IMG Thailand, said, “The strong partnership between IMG, Honda and the LPGA helps the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 maintain the highest standards. We are delighted that the tournament is one of the major golf tournaments on tour. A payout of $1.6 million USD (approximately 53 million Baht), will be offered this year to the winner.”

“This year we will join forces with sponsors and partners to build a comprehensive sustainability plan, aiming to achieve the best solutions and tournament initiatives in sustainability. As an example, we will implement the use of bio-degradable food and drink containers to reduce plastic usage and improve waste management. We will communicate with all staff and spectators of the importance of sustainability and hope to motivate them to help us make Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 the leading Sustainable Golf Tournament in Thailand.”

“On behalf of IMG, I would like to thank all partners, sponsors, supporters and Thai authorities who play a vital role to make this tournament another milestone year. The high stakes and intense competition that comes with the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 provides an ideal opportunity to help boost golfing standards in the country. We hope for a strong showing from the home team.” Ms. Heng added.

Early Bird tickets at a 20% discount are available now at www.hondalpgathailand.com until 30 November 2019. VIP tickets which include access to the Clubhouse hospitality, are also available on the website. All spectators can look forward to more activities on-site across the four days. This year, 9 MCOT HD Channel 30, the official broadcaster, will broadcast the competition for all four days as well as through their online channel.