Event highlights 12^th anniversary celebration and features big names including nine of world’s top ten; Moriya-Ariya and more Thai golf stars aim for first LPGA title on home soil

(Bangkok – 1 February 2018) Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd, in collaboration with IMG and partners, has announced that Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018 is ready to kick start the 12^th edition of the tournament, where nine of the world’s top-10 players will compete for the title along with many celebrated Thai and international golf stars. Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn, and rising Thai women players set sights on capturing the first Honda LPGA THAILAND victory on home soil. The event is scheduled to take place on 22-25 February 2018 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.

Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd said, “The Honda LPGA THAILAND tournament has always been enthusiastically received by top world-class female golfers as well as local and international fans each year. Marking the 12^th anniversary of the tournament’s journey and Honda’s association as title sponsor, the 2018 edition of the Honda LPGA THAILAND is set to welcome a total of 70 players, consisting of 58 figures from the LPGA Official Priority List 2018, including world’s No.1 Shanshan Feng of China; the second-ranked and US Women’s Open winner Sung Hyun Park of South Korea; and world’s No.3 So Yeon Ryu of South Korea who claimed the ANA Inspiration title last year. Past champions and major championship winners of the 2017 season are also confirmed to take part in this year’s Pattaya event. They are Amy Yang (Honda LPGA THAILAND 2017 and 2015), Lexi Thompson (Honda LPGA THAILAND 2016 and Race to CME Globe 2017 winner), Anna Nordqvist (Honda LPGA THAILAND 2014 and 2017 Evian Championship), and Danielle Kang (KPMG Women's PGA Championship 2017). The tournament will also be joined by Brittany Lincicome of the US, who has recently won the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic 2018 which finished on 28 January, the winner of ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open 2018, as well as ten local and international invites.”

Local heroes, namely the winner of CME Group Tour Championship 2017 Ariya Jutanugarn who created history by securing the top place on World Rankings last year, Moriya Jutanugarn and Pornanong Phatlum, will lead the Thai challenge. With this strong player field, Honda LPGA THAILAD 2018 will definitely be the greatest ladies golf tournament that has ever happened in Thailand.” Mr.Pitak said

Scheduled as the third stop of the annual LPGA Tour, the Honda LPGA THAILAND is arguably one of the most prestigious female golf tournaments in Asia. To highlight the 12^th anniversary celebration, the US$ 1.6 million (approximately 51 million baht) tournament will present the newly-designed trophy to the winner of Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018. The trophy is designed by emerging and award-winning Thai artist Saruta Kiatparkpoom, who cited the eagle as her ground inspiration because it is an embodiment of strength and elegance – elements which parallel with the female golfers who grace the green with their poise and determination. An all-new Honda CR-V, the 1.6L i-DTEC DIESEL TURBO engine (DT-EL 4WD) worth 1,699,000 baht will be given to the player who shoots the first Hole-In-One on the 16^th hole as a special bonus.

“Prior to tee-off, the Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018 players will participate in off-course activities for a good cause, including a charity event that provides scholarships and sports equipment to help local schools in Chonburi; and Honda LPGA Charity Night, which includes an auction of LPGA Players' memorabilia items where all proceeds will go to Siriraj Foundation. We are carrying on our tradition of giving young golfers, Honda customers and people who are interested in golf a chance to fulfil their dreams by giving them a hands-on experience of learning golf techniques with world-class professional golfers in the tournament through our annual Golf Clinic sessions.. ,” Mr. Pitak added.

Miss Winnie Heng, Vice President and Managing Director, IMG (Thailand), said “IMG is honored to partner with title sponsor Honda for 12 years, and we aim to deliver better experiences for all fans and spectators. The host venue, one of the players’ favourite golf courses in Asia, Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course, is ready to host the top players with impeccable condition and newly refurbished facilities. Fans and spectators can look forward to a variety of fun and interactive activities, such as golf schools, the ‘Chip-for-Charity’ contest, several local and international food and beverage offerings and live concerts each evening after play finishes throughout the four days of the tournament.”

Mr. Thitiporn Jutimanon, TV Director of 9MCOT HD, said, “As the official host broadcaster, MCOT is fully prepared to bring the fun and excitement of Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018 to golf fans through broadcast on 9 MCOT HD channel No. 30 in full HD from 22-25 February 2018. In addition to live broadcast of the tournament, viewers will not miss any iconic moment of the tournament with exclusive scoops and news content from MCOT. We are determined to bring our commitment to delivering good sport content to live, and believe that our various media channels, including television, radio and online, will provide greater convenience for viewers to enjoy Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018.”

Early bird tickets of Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018 are now available on www.hondalpgathailand.com for a limited period until February 18. Ticket for 22 and 23 February’s one-day pass is 300 baht (from 350 baht), 24 and 25 February’s one-day pass is 400 baht (from 550 baht), weekend two-day pass is 500 baht (from 950 baht) and four-day pass is 800 baht (from 1,200 baht). Children of 16 years old and below and senior citizens over 60 years old are entitled to complimentary entry to the tournament.

For more details about Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018, please visit www.hondalpgathailand.com and www.facebook.com/lpgaThailand

Honda joins force with IMG to host “Honda LPGA THAILAND 2018”

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