Local idol Patty Tavatanakit won the Honda LPGA by one stroke

Local favourite, Patty Tavatanakit, withstood a late rush by Albane Valenzuela on Sunday and won the Honda LPGA of Thailand by one stroke. The 24-year-old player, who hails from Bangkok, showed off his skills with a brilliant approach shot to make an easy birdie on the last hole and sign a final round of 67 strokes, finishing with 21 under par ( 267) at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.

“Honestly, I can’t say anything. I was nervous today and I got a little choked up because so many Thai fans came to support me,” said Tavatanakit, whose win was her second LPGA win since winning the ANA Inspiration in 2021.

“It was a dream come true to win a tournament at home in front of my parents.” Tavatanakit is riding a wave of success, after winning the Ladies European Tour in Saudi Arabia seven days ago. Ranked 43rd in the world, he joins former world No. 1 Ariya Jutanugarn as the second local champion of this tournament, following Jutanugarn’s victory in 2021.

Valenzuela, ranked 91st in the world, scored a brilliant card of 63 strokes, including an eagle on the 5th hole and seven birdies – six in the last nine holes -, finishing 20 strokes under par and 268 strokes.

Korean Sei Young Kim, winner of the 2020 Women’s PGA Championship, closed with a solid 65, finishing with a total of 18-under par-270, tied for third with compatriot Hye-jin Choi, who sign 66 .

Spaniard Azahara Muñoz posted her worst card of the week, 73 strokes, and finished with a par total (288) in the last places of the classification.

The LPGA continues with two events scheduled for the next two weeks in Singapore and China.