Pornanong to lead local charge at LPGA

Pornanong Phatlum

Six locals led by Thai No 1 Pornanong Phatlum will battle the cream of women's golf in the US$1.5million Honda LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club near Pattaya from February 16 to 19.

Joining the field of top-60 LPGA players alongside world No 57 Pornanong will be sisters Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn (US tour No 1 and No 2 amateurs), Nontaya Srisawang, LPGA qualifying school top finisher Junthima Gulayanamitta and SEA Games player Pinrath Loomboonruang. The five have been granted sponsor invites along with the youngest LPGA winner Alexis Thompson, Belen Mozo (famous for her nude shots in ESPN Magazine's Body Issue last year), Ladies European Tour rookie of 2011 Caroline Hedwall, former runnerup Laura Davies and ninet-ime Japan Tour winner Shinobu Moromizato.

The tournament also features big names such as world No 1 and defending champion Yani Tseng, 2010 winner Ai Miyazato, 2007 victor Suzann Pettersen, fan favourite Paula Creamer, pinup girl Michelle Wie and rising star Sandra Gal.

Teenage prodigy Ariya, the younger of the Jutanugarn siblings, hit a historic high for Thailand of eighth place last year when she played alongside Suzann Pettersen and Natalie Gublis. But Ariya has ambitions to improve on that performance.

"I learned a lot playing in the same group as the two stars. But I need to have a good game plan going into the course, which has small greens and many slopes. I have to hit a lot of fairways or I will struggle with my chipping, which is not my strong point,'' said Ariya, 17, who will be competing in the event with her sister for the second consecutive year.

Elder sister Moriya hopes her experience will pay off.

"I caddied for my sister twice in the tournament but this will be my third year as a player. I have to learn from my mistakes a year ago,'' said Moriya who finished joint 38th last year.

The inform Juntima, sister of former Thai No 1 Russamee, became the first Thai to take the top spot in the LPGA Qualifying School last year. This will be her first appearance in her home LPGA event.

"I've never played this course before but I've heard it's quite tough. I hope to carry on the momentum and good form of last year,'' said the Purdue University, Illinois graduate.

Apart from the prize money, players will also being targeting the Bt1.4million Honda Accord prize for a hole-ino-ne.

Missing from the top 60 list is Stacy Prammanasudh, who is on maternity leave.

Live coverage on Channel 7 runs from 2pm to 5pm on February 16 and 17 and 3pm to 5pm on February 18 and 19. Tickets are available for Thursday or Friday at Bt300 apiece, for Saturday at Bt400, and Sunday at Bt500 (sea