Becomes the Third Thai Golfer to Claim the Title – Calls It as Grand as a Major Championship

To the delight of Thai golf fans, Atthaya Thitikul captured the title at the Honda LPGA Thailand, edging out Chisato Iwai, currently ranked world No. 30 from Japan, by a single stroke. She becomes the third Thai golfer to win this tournament, following Ariya Jutanugarn (2021) and Patty Tavatanakit (2024). The world No. 1 described the victory as a special achievement for Thai people and said it felt as prestigious as winning a major championship.

The 19th edition of the world-class women’s golf tournament was held at Siam Country Club Old Course. The event featured 72 LPGA Tour players competing for a total prize purse of USD 1.8 million (approximately 60 million baht). Special hole-in-one prizes included a Honda GoldWing motorcycle valued at 1,355,000 baht on hole 8, and a new Honda CR-V e:HEV RS with Modulo accessories worth 1,863,220 baht on hole 16. Golf fans from across the country gathered in record numbers to cheer on the Thai players.

Thitikul, the world No. 1 and fan favorite, entered the final round leading at 20-under-par 196 (67-63-66). She teed off alongside Hyo Joo Kim, world No. 9 at 18-under-par, and Allisen Corpuz, world No. 68 at 17-under-par. Amid unprecedented crowds, Thitikul maintained her composure and secured the championship with a total score of 24-under-par 264, drawing thunderous applause across the course.

The 23-year-old LPGA Player of the Year 2025 from Ratchaburi said she was incredibly happy and proud to win this event, as it is the only tournament she plays at home in front of her family and Thai fans. She described the victory as beyond her dreams and credited her success to the unwavering support of her family, coach, caddie, sponsors, and golf fans nationwide.

“Winning at home is an incredible feeling, comparable to winning a major. Playing the 18th hole after the group ahead had already finished and knowing the score was not easy. But I managed to pull through. My family walked all 18 holes with me, and winning in front of my mother brought her to tears,” she said.

Thitikul opened with a birdie on the first hole, dropped a bogey on the fourth, then added four birdies on holes 6, 7, 8, and 10. On the par-5 18th, after Iwai had posted 23-under-par, Thitikul reached the green in two but her ball rolled off. She chipped to within a flagstick’s length and narrowly missed a birdie putt, settling for par. She carded a 4-under-par 68 for a total of 24-under-par 264 (67-63-66-68) to secure the title.

Iwai mounted strong pressure with two eagles on holes 7 and 10 and two additional birdies, shooting 6-under-par 66 for a total of 23-under-par 265 (69-62-68-66), finishing runner-up by just one stroke.

Kim finished third at 22-under-par 266 (68-65-65-68). Somi Lee placed fourth at 21-under-par 267 (66-61-72-68). Nanna Koerstz Madsen, the 2022 champion, shot a remarkable 9-under-par 63 to finish tied for fifth at 20-under-par 268 (69-67-69-63) alongside Lydia Ko (67-64-69-68).

With this victory, Thitikul earned USD 270,000 (approximately 8.37 million baht) and became the third Thai golfer to win the Honda LPGA Thailand. This marks her eighth LPGA Tour title and her first victory of the 2026 season.

Performance of Other Thai Golfers

Ariya Jutanugarn, world No. 25 and the 2021 champion, surged in the final round with 7-under-par, including one eagle and seven birdies, despite a double bogey on hole 14. She finished tied for eighth at 18-under-par 270 (67-71-67-65). She expressed satisfaction with her performance and shared her hope of winning another title before retiring from professional golf.

Pajaree Anannarukarn shot 5-under-par 67 for a total of 13-under-par 275, tying for 18th with Chanettee Wannasaen, who posted 1-under-par 71 for the same total.

Chanoknan Angurasaranee, winner of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2026 National Qualifiers, finished tied for 24th at 12-under-par 276.

Pornanong Phatlum placed tied for 42nd at 7-under-par 271.

Amateur Prim Pranakhon finished tied for 65th at 6-over-par 294.

Moriya Jutanugarn finished 72nd at 16-over-par 304.

The 2026 Honda LPGA Thailand concluded successfully and will return in 2027. For more information, please visit www.hondalpgathailand.com or follow the official social media channels.