World No.1 Jeeno Thitikul is set to make her mark at the Honda LPGA Thailand, held at the Siam Country Club’s Old Course, where she will tee off alongside defending champion Angel Yin and Japan’s Akie Iwai, who was the runner-up last year.
Fresh from a rejuvenating camping trip in the picturesque Tak province, Jeeno is eager to capture a title that holds special significance for her. The young Thai golfer, who first participated in this tournament at the age of 14, has consistently performed well, finishing as runner-up and third on multiple occasions in her last four appearances.
“Everyone wants to win every tournament we play. I already think this is my year — playing in front of the Thai fans as the world No.1 for the first time,” said Jeeno. She emphasized the importance of focusing on her game, especially after a much-needed break to recover from a wrist injury and mental fatigue. “It was great to go away with friends, hang out in the mountains… We escaped from all the busy stuff, from the busy city and social media,” she added, highlighting the need for a healthy work-life balance.
Jeeno, who is a fan favorite, is scheduled to take the first tee at 10:02 am on Thursday. Defending champion Angel Yin will be in the same flight. Yin, ranked 13th in the world, shared her experiences from last year, where she faced unexpected challenges, including her caddie falling ill just before the tournament. Despite her struggles leading up to this year’s event, she acknowledged the unpredictable nature of golf, saying, “Sometimes a miracle does happen.”
The tournament features a competitive lineup with 21 of the top 25 ranked players in the world, including notable names like Hall of Famer Lydia Ko and rising talents like Miyu Yamashita and Lottie Woad. Among the 72 competing players, eight are from Thailand, including amateur Prim Prachnakorn, who is making her LPGA Tour debut. Prim previously earned accolades at the Southeast Asian Games, clinching a gold medal.
Moriya Jutanugarn, a veteran of the Honda LPGA Thailand, will be playing alongside Prim. Drawing from her extensive experience, Moriya advised Prim to enjoy every moment of her first tournament.
With an array of talent and a supportive home crowd, the Honda LPGA Thailand is poised to deliver an exciting tournament, fueling hope for both established and emerging players. Jeeno’s return to competition after a recharging break, along with the anticipation surrounding Prim’s debut, adds to the event’s enticing narrative as fans look forward to a week of extraordinary golf.