Ariya Jutanugarn Makes History At Honda LPGA Thailand

Ariya Jutanugarn Makes History At Honda LPGA Thailand

Ariya Jutanugarn LPGA Honda
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ariya Jutanugarn became the first Thai player to win the Honda LPGA Thailand in its 13 year history, claiming the title by just one shot from fellow countrywoman, Atthaya Thitikul.

Ariya Jutanugarn Makes History At Honda LPGA Thailand

Ariya Jutanugarn LPGA Honda

Tavatanakit (L) and Thitikul (R) both just missed out on victory. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images)

The 18-year-old then birdied the 10th hole to move two clear of Jutanugarn. That lead was soon back to one though, with Jutanugarn making a long birdie putt at the 12th.

After a plethora of pars from the pair, Thitikul would hold a one shot lead with two holes to play.

However, with Jutanugarn adding her ninth birdie of the day at the last hole for a final round 63, Thitikul bogeyed the par-4 17th, a crucial two shot swing that now meant the 18-year-old would need to birdie the last to force a playoff.

Yet more drama would follow though! With the last group playing the par-5 18th, inclement weather suspended play for just over an hour.

As the groups returned to the course, Thitikul couldn't find the desired birdie, meaning that Jutanugarn claimed the title by one shot and her first victory since 2018.

Speaking after her round, Jutanugarn said: "It was pretty tough because they stopped play and with my momentum I just wanted to know the result, so it's pretty tough.

"But I'm very proud of myself and am always very happy to be here. I've been waiting for so long to win this tournament, so finally I got it."

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1