Big names set to take part in Pattaya meet
Jeeno Thitikul and Prim Prachnakorn during a press conference on Thursday. (Photo supplied)
Excitement is building ahead of the return of Honda LPGA Thailand 2026, set to take place from Feb 19-22 at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, as one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history prepares to compete.
This year’s edition will mark a historic milestone, with Jeeno Thitikul competing on home soil as the world No.1 for the first time in the event’s 19-year history. The Thai star will be joined by former top-ranked Lydia Ko, alongside a world-class lineup of 72 LPGA Tour players vying for a total prize purse of US$1.8 million (approximately 60 million baht).
Toshio Kuwahara, president and CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co, Ltd, said: “Honda has been committed to supporting youth development and international sports for more than 60 years under the Honda Sports Challenge philosophy, as we believe sport is a vital platform for developing people and inspiring society on a global scale. For this year’s tournament, the opportunity for Thai golf fans to cheer on the world’s No.1 women’s golfer competing on home soil represents a truly memorable moment.
“It also reflects the continued growth of golf in Thailand while creating a shared experience for spectators. For these reasons, Honda LPGA Thailand is more than a world-class sporting event — it is a platform that connects sport with communities and helps drive the economy, tourism, and the country’s international image, in line with Honda’s goal of creating sustainable value for society,” he added.
Jeeno’s standout 2025 season included three LPGA Tour victories, the Americas Open, LPGA Shanghai, and the Tour Championship, the latter marking her second consecutive title.
She was named Rolex Player of the Year 2025 and captured the Vare Trophy with a record-breaking scoring average of 68.681, surpassing the previous mark set by Annika Sorenstam in 2002. Jeeno said returning to compete in front of Thai fans feels “special,” adding that winning her first LPGA title at home would be especially meaningful.
Among the Thai players set to add excitement this year are Ariya Jutanugarn, former world No.1 and champion of the 2021 edition, currently ranked 22nd in the world; Pajaree Anannarukarn, ranked 54th and runner-up at the 2025 Tour Championship; Chanettee Wannasaen, currently 55th in the world; SEA Games gold medallist Prim Prachnakorn, and Chanoknan Angurasaranee, winner of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2026 National Qualifiers, who has earned her place in the field.
The international lineup is led by American defending champion and world No.13 Angel Yin. She will be joined by Ko (New Zealand, world No.6), Yin Ruoning (China, world No.7), Lottie Woad (England, world No.8), Kim Hyo-Joo (Korea, world No.9), Maja Stark (Sweden, world No.15), Hannah Green (Australia, world No.19), and Celine Boutier (France, world No.21).
Japanese players, who delivered standout performances last season, will also be closely watched, led by Miyu Yamashita (world No.4), LPGA Rookie of the Year and Women’s Open major champion, alongside Mao Saigo (world No.11, Chevron Championship winner), Rio Takeda (world No.14), and Akie Iwai (world No.25), a runner-up last year.