Pattaya, Thailand: For Atthaya 'Jeeno' Thitikul, the 18th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand offers the tantalising prospect of multiple celebrations.
One of the pin-up girls of Thai golf, Jeeno will celebrate her 22nd birthday on February 20, the opening-day of the US$1.7 million (about 60 million baht) LPGA Tour showpiece at Siam Country Club’s venerable Old Course.
And what better way for the current world number four to mark the occasion than by finally adding her name to the illustrious list of Honda LPGA Thailand champions.
By her own admission, Jeeno is chomping at the bit to stamp her indelible mark this year after being forced to withdraw from the 2024 event due to an untimely injury.
Speaking at the launch press conference at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Jeeno said: “Last year, I was truly disappointed that I couldn’t compete due to a wrist injury. I’m almost fully recovered now – just that last 5% to go. But it hasn’t affected my game at all. I’ve been training consistently and feel fully prepared.”
Given her history at the iconic tournament, few would begrudge her the chance to make it a truly memorable birthday week by raising aloft the Honda LPGA Thailand trophy on Sunday week (February 23).
“The Honda LPGA Thailand holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been following this tournament since I was just five or six years old, watching the pros compete and dreaming of one day playing alongside them,” said Jeeno, who made the first of her five appearances in the event in 2017, three days after turning 14.
A three-under aggregate that gave her a share of 37th place was an astonishing effort from such a young and inexperienced player – and an early indication of her star quality and the remarkable talent that would see her triumph in the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Singapore in 2018.
In one of her final flings as an amateur, Jeeno lined up in the Honda LPGA Thailand in 2019, finishing in a tie for 54th.
Since joining the ranks of the professionals, Jeeno has contended on all three occasions she’s teed-up at Siam Country Club – second in 2021, joint eighth in 2022 and third in 2023.
On the back of a fabulous 2024 campaign during which she won two LPGA titles (the Dow Championship and CME Group Tour Championship) and was the Tour’s leading money earner, Jeeno is now aiming to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit by winning the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Jeeno said: “This year is even more exciting, especially with Patty returning to defend her title, bringing the total number of Thai golfers in the field to 12.
“It’s a tournament that everyone has been eagerly anticipating. I have no doubt that the Honda LPGA Thailand will be an incredible event, and I can’t wait to see the fans out there cheering us on.
“I missed the fans and the warm atmosphere of Thailand (in 2024). This year, I hope everyone will have a great time at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Don’t miss the chance to experience the atmosphere in person, or tune in to the live broadcast and send us your support from home!”
