Bangkok, 11 November, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to confirm that Honda Automobile (Thailand), in partnership with IMG, is again hosting the prestigious Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 from 20 to 23 February, 2020, at the Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course in Chon Buri, Thailand.
Top female golfers from around the world will vie for top honours including a prize purse of US$ 1.6 million (approximately 53 million Baht).
Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “We intend to grow golf 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 the US.
“We are proud that Thailand has over 300 golf courses 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 the next generation of golfers.”
Last year, Thailand welcomed 38 million foreign tourists including 470,000 who were golf tourists that generated 6.3 billion Baht in tourism revenue.
Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “The Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 is held under the theme ‘Dream Big’ to inspire and build passion among professionals, enthusiasts and junior players from all backgrounds. Honda believes in ‘The Power of Dreams’, and we encourage everyone to pursue their dreams because anyone can achieve great success if they are determined.”
In 2020, the collaboration between Honda and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) 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 Programme this December, this caters 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 the 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 equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to host international golf tournaments.
The Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 is a platform for Thai female golfers to fine-tune their skills in preparation for the Olympics. The tournament also aims to be the most sustainable golf tournament in Thailand. Ms. Winnie Heng, Vice President and Managing Director, IMG Thailand, concluded, “The strong partnership between IMG, Honda and the LPGA helps the Honda LPGA Thailand 2020 maintain the highest standards. 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 side.”
