“Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand 2010” returns to Siam Country Club Old Course

Honda Automobile, PTT, Channel 7 and IMG are proud to announce the return of ladies professional golf tournament, the Honda–PTT LPGA Thailand 2010. One of Thailand’s marquee events, this tournament will once again take place at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course from 18 – 21 February 2010 with hope to stimulate the tourism industry in Thailand.

Honda–PTT LPGA Thailand 2010 will feature a 60-player field boasting some of the world’s top ladies golfers comprising of the top 50 players on the LPGA Money list and 10 sponsors’ invites. They will compete in a 72-holes stroke play with no cut for the purse prize of US$ 1.3 million.

Honda LPGA Thailand has enjoyed tremendous success in 2006, 2007 and 2009. This has prompted a new partnership between Honda and PTT, creating the Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand 2010. Both Honda and PTT hope that the event this year will surpass expectations in every way.

Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., declared "Thailand will once again become the ‘host country’ for the prestigious Honda LPGA Thailand, an international golf tournament under the Ladies Professional Golf Association, and now entering its fourth year. It also gives me great pleasure to announce that the PTT Public Company Limited has accepted to become an official ‘joint-title’ partner with Honda in sponsoring this international sporting event in 2010. This joint-title partnership, combined with sponsorships from all our partners, will help make this major tournament in Thailand one of the biggest golf highlights in the world."

"The Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand 2010 tournament – to be played at the beautiful and immaculate but challenging Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course – puts the Kingdom on the global map again as a preferred destination for world-class golf. This highly popular international tournament is also helping to promote inbound tourism as word-of-mouth endorsements about the Thai hospitality, services and charms are being passed on by golf fans overseas planning their return visit."

Chief Executive Officer and President of PTT Public Company Limited, Mr.Prasert Bunsumpun feels that "the Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand is a fantastic platform that will not only help develop sports in Thailand but at the same time provides the perfect opportunity to Thai amateurs to compete at a professional level. The success of this event will enhance the image of the kingdom and in turn boosts the economy through tourist spending amongst others."

Mrs. Surang Prempree, Managing Director, representing Channel 7, the event promoter said, "It is an honor for Thailand to host this LPGA-sanctioned for the fourth time. In the last 3 editions of the Honda LPGA Thailand, we have received tremendous support from Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. as the title sponsor, government sectors, private sectors and the media. PTT will become the co-title sponsor of the event from now on to strengthen Thailand’s premier Ladies Golf Tournament."

"The hosting of a golf tournament sanctioned by a well-recognized tour like the LPGA have increase the credibility of the tournament and in turn achieve a higher awareness level in Thailand especially among the young generation of golfers. This four-day live broadcast of the tournament around the world has proven to be beneficial to Thailand from both tourism and investment perspectives."

Ms.Marty Evans, LPGA Acting Commissioner, said "The Honda–PTT LPGA Thailand tournament has been a great success for the LPGA since the inaugural event in 2006. We are very pleased that the tournament continues to grow in stature and popularity and we believe the partnership between Honda, PTT & CH7 will further strengthen the event. The LPGA is very pleased that the game’s greatest women’s golfers will be competing in Thailand again and I know all the players and officials are all looking forward to returning to the Land of Smiles"

Mr.Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President/ Director of Golf for IMG Asia Pacific, said, "On behalf of IMG, I would like to congratulate all parties involved on this positive new partnership between Honda, PTT and Channel 7. IMG is, as ever, dedicated to using our expertise in the industry to help continue the growth of the game in Asia and this event in particular. Over the past 3 years the Honda – PTT LPGA Thailand 2010 has cemented its place as one of the premier tournaments on the LPGA schedule and with this new partnership in place I am sure that the event will continue to go from strength to strength"

The world-class premier’s tournament, Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand 2010, will be showcased from 18 – 21 February 2010 at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.