Pattaya, Thailand, November 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Honda, in partnership with IMG, today announced that Thailand's premier women's golf tournament and sporting event, the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022, will return to celebrate its 15th anniversary. The tournament will take place from March 10-13, 2022, at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, Chonburi Province. The world's best female golfers are ready to take to the course and compete for a prize purse of US$1.6 million (approximately 53 million baht). To celebrate its 15-year history and this milestone, the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 will unveil an exclusive anniversary logo that symbolizes the tournament's evolution over the years and its continued commitment to excellence.

Mr. Noriyuki Takakura, President and CEO of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said: “On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Honda LPGA Thailand, we remain committed to our mission of continuously promoting golf in Thailand and encouraging young golfers worldwide to pursue their goals. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce the tournament’s new theme, ‘Beyond Greatness,’ which reflects our aim to encourage people across the country to push boundaries and strive for excellence.” Over the past 15 years, during which the Honda LPGA Thailand has offered world-class golf, we have witnessed our Thai golfers achieve great success time and again – from emerging and promising talents like Atthaya Thitikul and Patty Tavatanakit to Ariya Jutanugarn's historic victory at the 2021 Honda LPGA Thailand. This proves that with the right determination, anyone can achieve "Beyond Greatness."

“Although we had to rethink the procedures and strategies of the Honda LPGA Thailand due to the current circumstances, we are convinced that this tournament continues to be an important platform. It not only offers top professional golfers the chance to prove themselves, but also serves as a springboard for young Thai female golfers to demonstrate their skills on an international level. We look forward to once again contributing to promoting Thailand as an ideal golf destination,” added Mr. Noriyuki.

Since its inception in 2006, the Honda LPGA Thailand has become one of the most popular women's tournaments in Asia and on the LPGA Tour calendar. It attracts top-class competitors every year and boasts a list of winners that includes some of the greatest players in golf, such as Suzann Pettersen (2007) with over 22 professional victories. Among the golf sensations who have achieved thrilling wins at this tournament are Lorena Ochoa (2009), the former long-time world number one; Yani Tseng (2011 & 2012), a five-time major champion; and Inbee Park (2013), a former Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medalist.

Although the 2021 Honda LPGA Thailand was held behind closed doors, the tournament was nonetheless a resounding success and ranks among the most legendary sporting events in Thai history. From the outset, the tournament showcased Thai golfing talent, with Patty Tavatanakit and the exceptional young talent Atthaya Thitikul engaging in a fierce battle in the early rounds. Ultimately, it was local favorite Ariya Jutanugarn who delivered a stunning final-round performance to secure the coveted Honda LPGA Thailand title.

“Winning the 2021 Honda LPGA Thailand was one of my greatest achievements, especially as it took place in my home country. I worked tirelessly and with perseverance towards this moment, making it the most unforgettable success of my career. I am grateful to the Honda LPGA Thailand for consistently providing a platform for local and international female golfers to compete in a tournament that aims to promote excellence at all levels. I am very proud of how much Thai golfing talent has developed over the past 15 years and how many young enthusiasts have discovered the sport. I look forward to giving my best again at the 2022 Honda LPGA Thailand and inspiring the next generation of golfers just as they inspire me,” said Ariya Jutanugarn, winner of the 2021 Honda LPGA Thailand.

Following the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thai government recently announced its new priorities for restoring public confidence through various national and international projects across the country. This follows the Thai authorities' decision to reopen the country and ease entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers from 63 low-risk countries. The aim is to revive Thai tourism, which is on a positive recovery path after 18 months of COVID-19 restrictions.

In this context, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in cooperation with the Thai Sports Authority and other relevant institutions, has joined forces to support the resumption of international sporting events in Thailand, including the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022. This decision is based on the conviction that these events will sustainably enhance the positive image of Thailand's internationally recognized golf tourism sector. As a pioneer for sporting events in Thailand, the Honda LPGA Thailand can underscore the country's readiness to host sporting events amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, while adhering to strict hygiene and safety protocols and the standard procedures of the local authorities for all involved.

Tournament organizer Winnie Heng, Senior Vice President and CEO of IMG Thailand, said: “As long-time organizers of the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament, we are delighted to be partnering with Honda to help women reach new heights on and off the golf course. Beyond the excellent and collaborative partnership between IMG and Honda, we are honored to be part of such a progressive and dedicated team that aims to set new standards and further develop sports tourism in Thailand.”

“The 15th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament will take place under strict hygiene and protocol guidelines to ensure optimal conditions for everyone present and involved at all times. We are very grateful to our partners and sponsors for their support, which has motivated us to pave the way for the return of events as the industry continues to reorient itself due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” added Ms. Heng.

To further strengthen its connection with the public through initiatives on and off the golf course, the Honda LPGA Thailand has partnered with Thai illustrator Jirayu Koo. Together, they are creating exclusive merchandise for the tournament celebrating its 15th anniversary. The collaboration with Jirayu aims to present golf not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle that fosters friendships and creates unforgettable moments. The new design presents golf in a refreshing light – as entertaining and fun – and breaks with the traditional image of the sport. The blended colors of the individual shapes symbolize the unique experiences that each round of golf offers.

The two-day national qualifying rounds for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 will take place in January as a preliminary round to the main tournament. These qualifying rounds offer young Thai women a unique opportunity to realize their full potential and compete against the world's best female golfers at the prestigious Honda LPGA Thailand 2022.

Thai golf fans can watch the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament live on all four days via the official broadcast partner PPTV HD 36 and its digital platforms. Fans worldwide can enjoy the high-quality golf content from the comfort of their homes via international channels, which will be announced at a later date. Information regarding the tournament format and spectator ticket sales will be released by the tournament organizers at a later date.