2007-10-22

Honda LPGA Thailand 2007





The Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 is one of three LPGA-sanctioned events in Asia, and it's an integral part of Asian events on LPGA calendar.
The player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will be comprised of 50 leading LPGA Tour players and 10 sponsor invites, competing for a purse of US$1.3 million 72 holes. The tournament will be stroke play format with no cut.
It marks the second year of Honda's title sponsorship for the event, which could draw top names such as Paula Creamer, Annika Sorenstam and Thailand's own Virada Nirapathpongporn to participate the tournament. More



September 26, 2007 - Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, Thailand’s greatest ladies’ golf tournament is set to be held once again. Superstars from the LPGA Tour led by Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer, and “Pro Oui” Virada Nirapathpongporn, along with leading Thai players are confirmed to compete for a historical 45 million Baht (US $1.3 million) on 25-28 October at the Siam Country Club, Pattaya Old Course. Building on the success of last year’s Honda LPGA Thailand, Honda Automobile (Thailand) and Channel 7 join together to host the event for the second year, giving a great opportunity for Thailand to welcome back 60 of the world’s leading female golfers, who will battle for the prize money of US$1.3 million or around 45 million Baht. Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Director, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. said, “The fact that we have been able to host this event in Thailand for the second year is the result of the hard work and sincere efforts of the many people involved, and they are very happy to see it become a reality. It is a good opportunity for young golfers to develop their game by closely observing the technique of some of the world’s golf experts and it will inspire more young people to get interested in golf. Furthermore, for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, we have prepared a special hole-in-one prize for any golfer who can make a hole in one on the par 3,16th hole at the Siam Country Club, Pattaya Old Course. The prize is a new 2.4 EL Honda CR-V worth 1,470,000 baht. “Besides the golf tournament, another activity we are doing in conjunction with it is to plant trees for the “Plant the Planet” project of Honda, in an effort to join in the campaign to stop global warming and celebrate the auspicious 80th birthday of His Majesty the King. The money earned from the auction of some of the famous golfers’ personal items at the Charity Night function on 24th October will be used to buy golden shower trees and plant them on Cheejan Hill, Nongpreu district and Pong district in Pattaya City and Chonburi province,” added Pitak.Many LPGA stars have confirmed to compete in Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, including Sorenstam, the former world number one from Sweden; “Pink Panther” Creamer, who is the fastest player in LPGA Tour history to earn US$ 3 million; Japan’s Ai Miyazato; , Morgan Pressel, who is an American rising star and the youngest to win an LPGA major championship; along with Stacy Prammanasudh, Julieta Granada, and Angela Park, all well-known among Thai fans.
“It’s only a month until the world’s biggest ladies’ golf tour will return to Thailand for the second time. The names ‘Thailand,’ ‘Pattaya,’ and ‘Chonburi’ will appear on every media channel around the world for four days throughout the tournament. It is because 60 of the world’s leading players will compete in the tournament. Daily news reports will be covered by every media. Therefore, during the last weekend of October, golf will create great boost to Thailand’s tourism industry,” said Surang Prempree, Managing Director, Bangkok Broadcasting and Television Co.,Ltd., authorized promoter of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007.“Thai golf and sports fans from every age group will have a great time watching both on the course and from live coverage by Channel 7. This is because top players like Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer, Ai Miyazato, and Morgan Pressel have committed to play in this year’s tournament. As for fans who would like to observe the development of Asian players, they can follow Jennifer Rosales from the Philippines, Lim Siew Ai from Malaysia, and Virada Nirapathpongporn. All of them are playing on the LPGA Tour this year. We will also witness Thailand’s Onnarin Sattayabanphot’s progress. Onnarin, who has won on the Duramed Futures Tour this year, had the best result among Thai players last year in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2006,” added Surang. Additionally, in order to give amateurs a chance to be part of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, “Road to Honda LPGA Thailand 2007” was held to recruit female amateurs from all over Thailand, whose handicap was not more than 9 to compete in the prestigious “Honda LPGA Thailand 2007.” Road to Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will be played for 10 days and divided into three stages. After the completion of two stages, Patcharajutar “Ply” Kongkraphan and Thidapa Suwannapura are the leaders.Hee-Won Han, the reigning champion from Korea, is ready to defend her title. Last year she was red hot, shooting 14 under par 202 and pocketed 7 million Baht. Chris Higgs, LPGA senior vice president and chief operations officer said, “We are excited Morgan and Ai have committed to play in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 and join the strong field of LPGA stars who are returning to Thailand. This will be the first time for both young stars to compete in the LPGA’s Thailand event, which offers a first-class venue in the Siam Country Club, Pattaya Old Course.” Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President, Director of Golf, Asia, IMG said, "We are delighted to see the strong field of players participating the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007. This will be a great opportunity for golf fans in Thailand and around Asia to see the best women's professional golf players competing in Pattaya." Siam Country Club, Pattaya, one of the best golf courses in Thailand, has been opened for more than 35 years, located among breathtaking view on an 800 rais, east of Sukhumvit road, 15 minutes from Pattaya beach, Chonburi.
Major renovations to the course and clubhouse were completed in May. The original layout has been preserved, but modifications were made from tees to greens to be ready to host international tournaments. The clubhouse has been upgraded to a modern look that offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere to view all 18 holes.The Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 is one of the three LPGA events in Asia. The field comprised of the top-50 available players from the LPGA Official Money List and 10 exemptions. It is 72-hole, stroke play event with no cut. Honda is also holding warm-up activities leading to Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 by organizing golf events for Honda customers from every age group both for family and individuals, such as the Honda Junior Golf Championship, Honda Amateur Tournament and Honda Short Game Clinic.For golf fans who do not want to miss watching world class players, tickets are available at all branches of ThaiticketMajor. Thursday, Friday passes are 200 Baht (US $6) , Saturday pass is 300 Baht (US$10), Sunday pass is 400 Baht (US$13). Four-day passes are 700 Baht (US$22). Golf fans 60+ years old can buy a four-day pass for only 500 Baht (US$16) and admission is free for children under 20! For more information about the tournament, visit www.hondalpgathailand2007.com


No comments: