The Honda LPGA Thailand is set to return in full force next year with spectators allowed at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, organisers said on Wednesday.
The 16th edition of the country's premier women's golf tournament will be held from Feb 23-26.
The tournament, featuring 70 players, will be opening its doors to fans for the first time since 2019 after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The total purse will be increased to US$1.7 million, Pitak Pruittisarikorn, chairman of the board of Honda Automobile (Thailand), told a press conference.
"We are ready to welcome domestic and international fans to watch top female players, including defending champion Nanna Koerstz Madsen, compete," he said.
Denmark's Madsen said she was looking forward to returning to the tournament.
"This tournament will always hold a special place in my heart with it being my first LPGA victory," Madsen said in a press release.
Among Thai stars in the event will be major winners Ariya Jutanugarn and Pattya Tavatanakit and LPGA champions Moriya Jutanugarn and Atthaya Thitikul.
Ariya is the only Thai to have won the tournament when she beat Atthaya by one stroke in 2021.
"Since I first played in the Honda LPGA Thailand in 2007, I feel like I've grown together with this tournament over the years," 12-time LPGA winner Ariya said.
World No.2 Atthaya said: "I first watched the Honda LPGA Thailand when I was nine years old. Then in 2017 I felt honoured to receive a sponsor invitation to play in the tournament."
The 19-year-old has been enjoying a good year in her rookie season on the LPGA Tour with two wins so far.
"I always do my best to make my fans proud and hope to inspire the future generation just as I was inspired when I grew up watching this tournament," Atthaya said.
