5 things to look for in the 2023 Honda LPGA Thailand

Atthaya Thitikul reacts on the final hole on the last day of the Honda LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club in Pattaya on May 9, 2021. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images)

There are 11 players from Thailand in this week’s field, including former No. 1s Ariya Jutanugarn and Atthaya Thitikul. Jutanugarn won this event in 2021, defeating Thitikul by one shot; Thitikul was not an LPGA member at the time. It marked the first time a Thai player had won the tournament.

Four Thai players are competing in the Honda for the first time as LPGA members: Jaravee Boonchant, Arpichaya Yubol, Chanettee Wannasaen and Natthakrita Vongtaveelap.

For Thitikul, it’s an important week to compete in front of family.

“I’m not playing in front of them much,” said Thitikul, “because my grandfather usually travel with me when I was an amateur, but now … I think this is last chance that he can do it because we don’t play in Thailand that much, just once in a year.

“So I think it’s so special for him and for my mom as well. My mom has not come out at all, just Honda. So I think it means a lot to us, and I’m so happy to have them here with me.”