Life came full circle for Patty Tavatanakit on Sunday at Siam Country Club. She was 6 years old the first time an LPGA event was held in Thailand. After coming to the Honda LPGA Thailand event as a spectator, she played on a sponsor invitation as an amateur and then, at age 24, became the second Thai player to win the event in dramatic fashion.
Tavatanakit closed with a 5-under 67 over the Old Course to finish at 21-under 267, one shot ahead of Swiss player Albane Valenzuela. A swarm of friends, including World No. 1 Lilia Vu, showered her with water on the 18th green as she broke down in a flood of emotions.
“It’s a dream come true to win here,” said Tavatanakit, who won $255,000 for her efforts. “I was outside the ropes at one point in my life and now I’m inside, get to play with all these amazing girls. They’re the best in the world. To be able to close it is pretty surreal right now.”
Tears of joy.@Patty_MPT birdies 18 to win the Honda LPGA Thailand pic.twitter.com/7veLdKP737
— LPGA (@LPGA) February 25, 2024
Here are five things to know about a special Sunday in Thailand:
