Pattaya, Thailand – World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul returns to her hometown course this week for the 19th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand, seeking to add to a growing list of Thai successes on the LPGA Tour. The tournament, featuring a 72-player field and a $1.8 million purse, begins Wednesday at Siam Country Club.
Thitikul, reflecting on her connection to the event, recalled attending as an eight-year-old fan, watching players like Michelle Wie West and Ai Miyazato. “To be able to play as a world No. 1 in my hometown… is kind of meaning to not just me, but to be honest, for the teams and then for all the Thai people that can be proud,” she said, adding that she hopes her success inspires the next generation of Thai golfers. “It’s just an example to all the kids that it’s nothing impossible.”
This marks Thitikul’s seventh appearance at the Honda LPGA Thailand. She has finished in the top three on three previous occasions, including a runner-up finish in 2021 to Ariya Jutanugarn, who was the first Thai player to reach the No. 1 ranking.
The field includes 21 of the top 25 players in the world, alongside eight Thai players. Defending champion Angel Yin will tee off alongside Thitikul in the first round. Other notable competitors include Lydia Ko, Linn Grant, Lottie Woad, and Jin Young Ko. Epson Tour Rookie Gianna Clemente is also competing.
The Honda LPGA Thailand builds on a two-decade surge in Thai representation on the LPGA Tour. Russy Gulyanamitta was the first Thai player to join the tour in 2004, two years before the inaugural LPGA event in Thailand. Virada Nirapathpongporn and the Song twins, Aree and Naree, were also emerging players at that time. In 2024, Patty Tavatanakit became the second Thai player to win the Honda LPGA Thailand, following in the footsteps of Ariya Jutanugarn.
All four rounds of the tournament will be broadcast and streamed on Golf Channel, beginning with Wednesday’s first round at 10:00pm to 3:00am local time.