World No.3 Yin Ruoning from China, No.4 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, No.5 Lilia Vu of the United States, the 2023 winner, world No.7 Ko Jin-Young of South Korea, No.8 Ryu Hae-Ran of South Korea, No.9 Ayaka Furue of Japan and No.10 Celine Boutier of France will headline a stellar line-up of 72 world-class players at the Feb 20-23 tournament, reports the Bangkok Post.
Two-time LPGA Tour winner Patty Tavatanakit will return to defend her title, while other Thai players in the field include Ariya Jutanugarn, a 12-time LPGA winner and 2021 tournament champion, Chanettee Wannasaen, a two-time LPGA winner, Pajaree Anannarukarn, also a two-time LPGA Tour winner, three-time LPGA winner Jasmine Suwannapura, three-time LPGA winner Moriya Jutanugarn and Arpichaya Yubol.
Rounding out the Thai contingent are four invited players: Pimpisa Rubrong, an 18-year-old amateur and winner of the national qualifiers, Wichanee Meechai, Trichat Cheenglab and Jaravee Boonchant.
China’s Yin, a five-time LPGA Tour winner, will kick off her 2025 campaign in Pattaya, making her second appearance at the tournament. The 22-year-old finished tied 58th last year.
“I’m excited to be back in Thailand again to compete in the Honda LPGA Thailand for the second successive year. Last year I enjoyed my time in Thailand so much, a great golf course, amazing Thai cuisine, beautiful tourist spots, and passionate golf fans. My good friend Jeeno told me a lot of great things about Thailand so I hope this year I will have an opportunity to explore more than I did last year,” said the Chinese star.
Four-time LPGA Tour winner Jeeno, 21, will play in the tournament for the sixth time. Her best result came in 2021 when she finished in second place.
“I missed the fans and the warm atmosphere of Thailand,” said Jeeno, who was the highest-earning player on the LPGA Tour last season with winnings of US$6 million.
“The tournament always attracts a lot of young golf fans and their parents always say they want their children to grow up and become like Pi May [Ariya’s nickname] and Pi Jeen. And I want to be an inspiration for those kids.
“This year Pi [sister] Patty will be defending her title and there are 12 Thai golfers in the field so please come and cheer us on. I’m sure the competition will be very exciting,” she added.
The tournament offers a total prize purse of approximately B60mn.