Officials at the announcement of the new event in Thailand.
Pattaya, Thailand: Following the example of its male counterparts, the Ladies European Tour (LET) continues to expand its footprint in Asia.
In addition to three tournaments in China and one each in India and Japan, the LET has confirmed its return to Thailand after a 12-year absence.
The inaugural edition of the Ladies European Thailand Championship will be held at Pattaya’s Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club from July 6-9.
Supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thai LPGA, the event will boast a prize purse of 300,000 Euros (about 12 million Baht).
Ivan Khodabakhsh, the Ladies European Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s exciting to add the Ladies European Thailand Championship to the LET schedule. We believe that this event will contribute positively towards growing the game in Thailand whilst showcasing the world class golf facilities to a global audience via our media platforms.”
LET Tournament Director
Joao Paulo Pinto added: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for us, to bring world class sport to a region where we can make a real difference by engaging with local people, particularly women and children, and encouraging them to participate in sport as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“As one of the world’s leading golf Tours, the LET will be bringing more than just 70 top women golfers to Pattaya. We will bring a fresh and exciting product which will motivate and inspire people to participate in sport and we are looking forward to working with our fellow officials and players from the Thai LPGA.”
On behalf of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT),
Viboon Champangoen – Head of Professional Sports Standardisation and Administration Division – said: “As the Sports Authority of Thailand, the state government which supports the organisation of the Ladies European Thailand Championship, SAT aims to deliver support and encouragement to develop sports in Thailand.
“Our vision is to realise the potential of Thailand to be the sports hub of the region and to encourage Thai athletes to step onto world-class stages.”
A field of 126 female golfers will compete in the Ladies European Thailand Championship, including 70 LET members, 40 Thai LPGA members and 16 invited players.
