Locals ready to tee up with the stars
Rising Thai stars Titiya Plucksataporn and Pornanong Phetlum are keen to make a good showing on a home course when the US$ 1.3 million Honda LPGA Thailand 2006 tournament tees off from October 20-22.
The first LPGA tournament ever held in Thailand will take place at the challenging 7,322-yardsAmata Spring Country Club course and 50 high-profile women's golfers, including Thai ace Virada Nirapathpongporn, are entered. It is a relatively strong field as 28 of the players have at least one LPGA title under their belts and six have won Majors. The field will be led by American Cristie Kerr, who is fourth on the LPGA money list and won the John Q Hammons Hotel Classic last month. Another player who is likely to make a splash in the inaugural competition is Sherri Steinhauer of the US. The 44-year-old made headlines in June after winning the Women's British Open, leaving world No 1 Annika Sorenstam of Sweden in her wake. Local star Titiya says she is unfazed about playing with some of the best in the world. "My experience on the European Tour helps me a lot so I do not feel nervous playing with world-class players," said the 23-year-old, who turned pro this year. "On the tour I have to go aboard alone and face different food, weather and conditions. I have played with scores of foreigners and competed with many good players, so I will use that experience during the event." Titiya, who won silver medals in individual and team divisions for Thailand at the SEA Games 2001 in Malaysia, is not making any predictions to ease the pressure on herself. Thai prodigy Pornanong is excited at playing her first event at home as a professional golfer. The 16-year-old turned pro earlier this year after a victory in the Hong Kong Ladies Open in February and is aiming for a top 20 finish. "I really feel excited about competing with such very good players. I should breathe deep before teeing off," said the youngster from Chaiyaphum, who will have her father as her caddy. "I hope to finish in the top 20. I will try to go 3-4 under-par each day. However, the most important thing I look for is to gain as much experience as possible from this world class event," added the youngest professional golfer in Thailand and arguably in the world.
Kitinan Sanguansak The Nation
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