World's Best Golfers Return to Pattaya

Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., declared, “Fifty professional players who are in the LPGA Official Money List 2010 will take part in this prestigious sporting event including previous LPGA winners, and it is certain that they will pull in many of their fans and supporters.”

“These players are the best professional golfers in the world, and their participation in the Honda LPGA Thailand will lift the excitement of the tournament. Together, they will be competing for the 1.45 million US dollars prize money and  a title and a luxurious New Honda Accord for any ‘hole-in-one’ scored.”

“In addition to re-affirming Thailand as one of the world’s highly-preferred golf paradises, the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament is helping to endorse the country’s natural beauty and charms and promote Thai smiles and services. News on this major golf tournament will help communicate to many key markets that Thailand is ready to welcome back her guests from all over the world again.”

As the promoter, Mrs. Surang Prempree, Managing Director of Channel 7, spoke of the tournament preparation, “I firmly believe that golf fans around the world will focus  daily on the Honda LPGA Thailand as the tournament is chosen by the LPGA to be the season opening event for the year 2011 which the race to be World’s No. 1 is very intense. The Rolex Rankings No. 1 spot has changed hands nine times between three different players, Shin Ji Yai, Cristie Kerr and Ai Miyazato since Lorena Ochoa retired this season. It is expected to see other three players; Suzann Pettersen, Paula Creamer and Na Yeon Choi vie for the crown in the year 2011 as well.”

The host venue, Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course is widely regarded as the best golf course in Thailand. Mr. Prasertchai Phornprapha representing Siam Country Club said, “Hosting the only LPGA-sanctioned event in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to showcase the club’s world class facilities, further promoting Thailand as the world’s golfing destination. We are very confident to provide the best course conditions to challenge the skills of LPGA players.”

"The LPGA truly values the support and partnership of Honda, as well as the tremendous dedication and enthusiasm of the fans in Thailand," said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. "We have enjoyed four highly successful LPGA events in Thailand and look forward to bringing back the best of the LPGA for a fifth time."

The field of Honda LPGA Thailand will feature a 60-player field boasting some of the world’s top ladies golfers comprising of the top 50 players on the LPGA Money list and 10 sponsors’ invites. They will compete in a 72-holes stroke play with no cut for the purse prize of US$ 1.45 million. This is the fifth tournament since its inaugural event in 2006.