During the course of her three years on the LPGA circuit, the supremely talented 26-year-old has secured seven LPGA titles including two majors, namely the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2018 Women’s PGA Championship.

Her win at this year’s HSBC Women’s World Championship, where she shot the lowest round of the tournament with an eight-under-par final round to claim a two-shot victory over second placed Minjee Lee, re-established Park at the top of the Rolex World Rankings. Following victory in Singapore, she went on to clinch the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G in June and has achieved a total of seven top-10 finishes in 2019 to date.

The 26-year-old trailblazer announced her arrival on the LPGA Tour back in 2017 and has been turning heads ever since. In her rookie year, Park made the cut in all 23 events she competed in and became a Rolex First-Time Winner at the U.S. Women’s Open. Her phenomenal start to life as an LPGA player saw her take home both the Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year awards in the same year – a feat last achieved by Nancy Lopez in 1978. She also became the fastest player in LPGA history to reach $2 million in career earnings in just 19 starts at seven months and 13 days.

Park said: “I’m excited to return to Singapore next year to defend my title at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. It was an exhilarating final day this year and I managed to put in a strong final round to take the championship.’

‘The HSBC Women’s World Championship is one of my favourite events on the tour and it always feels like one of the majors because of the calibre of competition. I was lucky to have a lot of support out on course this year so I’m looking forward to seeing the fans and getting back out next February.”

Looking ahead to the 2020 tournament, Tony Cripps, CEO, HSBC Singapore, commented: “We are thrilled that Sung Hyun Park will defend her title with us at the 2020 edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. Sung Hyun is a special talent and a wonderful ambassador for the game.   As a business we believe that when people come together incredible things can happen.  Hosting this tournament in one of HSBC’s most important international hubs showcases our firm commitment to Singapore and women in sport. We are truly proud of our role in bringing world class golf to Singapore.  The event has become an unmissable fixture on Singapore’s sporting and social calendars, inspiring all who attend.

Sung Hyun has remarkable support everywhere she goes including here in Singapore and we look forward to welcoming Sung Hyun and her loyal group of fans back to Sentosa as she aims to become the first player to successfully defend her HSBC Women’s World Championship title.   Such an early announcement to confirm one of the world’s best players is yet again testament to the strength of ‘Asia’s Major’.”

Further endorsing the tag ‘Asia’s Major’, host venue Sentosa Golf Club was voted the World’s Best Golf Club at the annual World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi at the end of October. Besides the stellar action on the course, spectators can look forward to four days of unmissable, off-course entertainment, underpinning the tournament’s standing as one of the most fun events on the LPGA schedule.

Despite two bogeys — on the sixth and 13th holes — the 23-year-old carded an impressive final round 65 and a total 23-under-par 261 for back-to-back wins on the continental tour following his triumph at the Indonesian Masters last Sunday.

“It’s such a huge honour to win on home soil, in a tournament hosted by Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee. I’m very proud of myself,” said Jazz, after winning his fourth title of the season on the Asian Tour and his sixth overall. The win makes him US$90,000 richer and he will break into the world top 40 for the first time, the third Thai to achieve this after Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

“Last week I was surprised to win as I was sick coming from Japan where it was very cold. I had to struggle in the first couple of rounds last week. Same thing this week. Maybe I just tried to survive and didn’t think about the score,” added Jazz, the first player to win back-to-back on the Asian Tour after Lee Westwood in 2011.

With Sunday’s win, Jazz also became the second player with the most wins in a single season after Thaworn Wiratchant who too had four titles in 2005.

His six titles include the Phoenix Gold twice and the Queen’s Cup in July last year.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai 

“Three years ago, I struggled a lot. For some reason, that has changed for me and I learned to enjoy playing here. We Thais have a lot of home advantages, eating good food and having a lot of support,” added the Thai.

Three players settled for joint second, each with a 266. Second-round leader Phachara Kongwatmai continues his wait for his first Tour crown, signing off with a 67 and a total 18-under.

Phachara Kongwatmai

“I didn’t putt well at the start. I started making my putts in only the last four holes. It was too late for me but I’m happy with the way I played all week,” said the 20-year-old Phachara.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai, with a low round of 62, also finished runner-up along with Belgian heart-throb Thomas Detry who carded a 69.

Thomas Detry 

The world No 45, who just celebrated his third Asian Tour win of the season in the Indonesian Masters last Sunday, decorated his scorecard with 11 birdies, seven straight from holes 6-12, to head into the final round on 17 under-par-196, a shot ahead of Thomas Detry of Belgium.

Bad weather led to suspension of play for almost two hours but it failed to interrupt the momentum of the red-hot Thai who returned to the course to send home a six-foot birdie on the 16th hole and never looked back.

“I didn’t expect to play this well. I just went out there, trying to put up a good round. I was a bit tired from last week. I was struggling to finish the first two rounds, but today it’s a surprise,” said the 23-year-old, whose other victories happened in Singapore and South Korea this year.

Jazz or Atiwit really lived up to his label as the Tour 2019 No 1 player as he still remains in solid form despite playing for several weeks.

“I can tell myself that I’m Asian Tour No 1. I don’t have to prove myself anymore. It’s like a weight off my shoulder,” said Jazz, who won the Queen’s Cup at this course last year. “The conditions are different from last year. There’s a lot of good players. I have to perform well,” he added.

Thomas Detry 

Round-one leader Detry could have finished as joint leader but a bogey on the 17th hole saw him settle at lone second after a 66 and a total 16-under-par 197.

“My thought [on the score] was pretty average compared to Jazz’s. I saw his name on the leader’s board. It’s unbelievable he is one shot short off a 69. It could have been better but I made a clumsy mistake on the 17th. But a five-under still puts me in a good position for tomorrow,” said 26-year-old Detry, who is still in the chase for his first major Tour win.

Phachara Kongwatmai

Phachara Khongwatmai, after a 69, was at third on 199, followed by Kim Sihwan of South Korea (66) on 200. Tied on fifth with 201 were Filipino Miguel Tabuena (65) and three locals — Suteepat Prateeptienchai (65), Gunn Charoenkul (68) and Panuphol Pittayarat (68).

The Thai proceeded through 36 holes without a bogey, as he led with 12-under-par 130 at the par-71 6,889-yard course.

“I’m quite happy because this is a home event which is hosted by Thongchai Jaidee. I’m close to him, so I’m happy with my position this week,” said the 20-year-old Phachara, who has posted three straight top-10 finishes in his last three Asian Tour events.

Although he rose to prominence at the age of 14 by winning a professional tour event in Hua Hin, Phachara has yet to lay hands on a trophy on a major tour. He has settled for second five times on the Asian Tour or co-sanctioned Tours — Indonesian Masters (2016-2017), co-sanctioned ISPS Handa World Super 6 (2017), co-sanctioned Singapore Open in 2017, Sabah Masters (2019).

“My strategy for the last two rounds is to play my game, just think one shot at a time, hitting the fairways, hitting the second shots to the greens and making some putts. I will try not to lose my score. I will be relaxed. I’m not nervous and will just try to play my game. If it’s meant for me, it will happen. But if not, I will be alright,” added Phachara, who enjoys key support from his family and girlfriend this week.

Overnight leader Thomas Detry of Belgium almost emerged as the joint leader but a bogey on the finishing hole left him with 11 under-par-131 to sign off with a 68.

“Although I finished with a bogey, I’m still in a very good position heading into the weekend rounds. I have not been feeling too well and I got tired towards the end of my round. But I’m still happy with the way I finished. I was one-under at one point but managed to make some birdies to lift myself up back into the game again. I’m going to have a good night sleep now and be fresh for the weekend,” said Detry.

Sitting two shots back at lone third was Thai-Japanese Kosuke Hamamoto, who produced an error-free round of 64 for a total 10-under-par 132. The 20-year-old from Chiang Mai is looking for his maiden Tour win after turning professional last year.

The 2017 SEA Games gold medalist just changed a new putter on Wednesday, which seems to be playing a key role in his good form this week.

“It’s a reserve putter that had stayed in my car for a while. I decided to give it a try and turns out it has suited me well,” said Kosuke, whose best Tour attempt was second place at the Yeander TPC in Taiwan earlier this year.

“I’m nervous to be in this position again. But I take a positive approach because it makes me want to concentrate and work even harder to perform well,” he said.

A total of 84 players have made it to the weekend with the cut off at one-under-par 141. Asian Tour No 1 Jazz Janewattananond and Kiradech Aphibarnrat are still in contention.

Ranked Belgium’s Best Amateur golfer in 2013 and 2015, Detry sprinkled his round with five birdies on the front nine and three on the back to grab a one-shot lead over hometown player Settee Prakongvech, who lives in Chonburi downtown.

Soon-to-be-dad Gunn Charoenkul and American Berry Henson both shot 65 to settle for joint third in the Asian Tour’s season-ending event promoted by Thai golfing legend Thongchai Jaidee.

“The weather is horrible at home,” said the 26-year-old who won the 2018 World Cup of Golf with good friend Thomas Pieters in Melbourne. “I got invited to play here and Thongchai is taking good care of me. The weather is fantastic and the golf course is beautiful. It couldn’t be better to start with eight-under today,” added Detry, a first-time traveller to Thailand.

“Thai food is the best in the world. I like chicken Pad Thai (Thai style fried noodles). I’m not a fan of spicy food, so anything that is not spicy here is really good,” added the Belgian young gun who plans to take a relaxed approach going into the next three rounds.

“I’ve been playing well, hitting the driver really well. It’s the key because the roughs are pretty tricky here. If I can hit the fairways and stay relaxed, it’s going to be a great week,” he added.

Settee, who has one All Thailand Golf Tour title in Chanthaburi this season, enjoyed home conditions to produce an error-free round.

“I need a top-three finish to keep my Asian Tour card. This is a good start for me. If I can create good approach shots, I should be able to enjoy a strong finish this week,” said the 25-year-old Thai.

Gunn, who just lost to Asian Tour No 1 Jazz Janewattananond last week in the Indonesian Masters, continued his impressive form by hitting a 65, two off the lead. He and wife Vichuda Weerajittaywin are expecting their first baby next month.

“I’m more nervous and more excited. But I’m also afraid that what I did to my parents would come back to me (laughing). But as I’m having a daughter soon, I’ve learned to be more patient. It’s going to be a new experience for me,” said Gunn, whose wife is supporting him this week.

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand

Ratchanok, the current world No 5, who won the inaugural edition back in 2016, is among mega stars committed to competing in the home tournament at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium from January 21-26.

The 24-year-old former world champion, who has two 500 level titles this year in Malaysia and India, will be joined by former world No 1 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, world No 9 An Se-young of South Korea, former world No 1 Saina Nehwal of India, Indonesian rising star Gregoria Mariska Tunjung and defending champion Fitriani Fitriani of Indonesia.

“As the cut off for the Olympics is due on April 26 next year, players are trying to book their spots for the Games. That’s why we have a strong field for the 2020 tournament,” said Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand.

Apart from Ratchanok, 2017 champion Busanan Ongbumrungpan and 2018 winner Nitchaon Jindapol as well as 2018 finalist Pornpawee Chochuwong will pose local challenges for the women’s singles trophy of Princess Sirivannavari.

On the men’s side, Thailand will be represented by World Championships bronze medalist and world No 13 Kantaphon Wangcharoen, world No 25 Sitthikom Thamasin and three-time world junior champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

Olympic champions Lin Dan and Chen Long of China are among international stars, other than world No 9 Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, No 10 Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan, the 2018 Thailand Open winner and No 14 Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.

The world No 4 mixed doubles pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai will try to lift up their home title together after losing two finals — in 2017 and 2019. But they will face a stiff challenge from world No 3 Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino and No 9 Hafiz Faizal and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja of Indonesia.

The 2016 women’s doubles gold medallists Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi and world No 1 Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan will also be in action in January.

The minister is confident of the event, scheduled for March 20-22 next year and the third in a series, generating more than Bt3.5 billion in revenue. Motorsport fans are invited to once again witness another monumental championship race.

Race 2 of MotoGP 2020 is making its way under the name ‘OR Thailand Grand Prix 2020’ with Thailand as the host at Chang International Circuit, Buriram province.

Today (December 18), Pipat presided over a press conference to announce Thailand’s readiness to host the motorsports championship race and tickets are now available.

The press conference was held at The Commemorating HM The King’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Building of the Sports Authority of Thailand. Representatives of sponsors from the private and public sector were in attendance including The Sports Authority of Thailand, Buriram Provincial Administrative Organisation, PTT Oil and Retail Business Pcl (OR), Buriram United International Circuit Co Ltd, Thai Beverage Pcl, AP Honda Co Ltd, Thai Yamaha Motor Co Ltd, Siam Commercial Bank Pcl, GrabTaxi (Thailand) Co Ltd, Plan B Media Pcl, and Counter Service Co Ltd.

Pipat said MotoGP 2019 was a massive success and it was lauded by both international and Thai motorsports fans. The event also retained its record of having the highest attendance for a second year with 226,655 visitors. Also, the number of foreign visitors increased 52.8 per cent. MotoGP 2019 was able to generate Bt3.457 billion in revenue. With Thailand hosting the event for the third year in 2020, the organisers are raising it to world class standards and will showcase Thai culture and traditions to audiences. The effort is in line with the concept of “Thailand to The World” as well as making Thailand a “Sport Tourism Destination”. He expected next year’s event to generate the same level of revenue as MotoGP 2019.

Dr Gongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said according to a study by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, this MotoGP event will generate billions of baht in revenue for Thailand and create some 5,584 jobs. It will also help promote the image of Thailand through 483 journalists from 32 countries which will contribute billions of baht in public relations value. It is an invaluable investment from both the private sector and the government because in addition to promoting Thailand’s image to audiences worldwide, the motorsports event also generates income for Thais, particularly in Buriram and neighboring provinces. This will be extremely beneficial to the tourism and sports-related economy, especially motorsports as well as the automotive industry.

Damrongchai Neramittakapong, Deputy Governor of Buriram, said Buriram is ready on all cylinders despite the time constraints to organise the event compared to previous years. Buriram is in high spirit and fully confident of hosting an impressive event since we were able to learn from past mistakes and had hosted the event for the past two years. We have teams in place who are highly experienced and knowledgeable. Another important factor in successfully hosting a world class event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors is the help from local volunteers who are ready to provide accommodations to visitors and tourists. Buriram recently hosted a motorsports event which is an advantage as teams involved can leverage the experience in planning next year’s race, providing better facilitate utilities, accommodations, security, and transportation. Buriram is more than ready as a welcoming host”.

Chumpol Surapittayanon, Senior Executive Vice President/Lubricant Business, PTT Oil and Retail Business Pcl (OR), said MotoGP is one of the world’s leading motorsports competition and the people of Thailand are very proud of this. Our company is the title sponsor for a third consecutive year and in 2020, the race is titled ‘OR Thailand Grand Prix 2020’. OR is fully committed to its sponsorship and has prepared a large variety of entertainment and privileges for motorsports fans around the world. After the massive success of the two previous MotoGP event in Thailand, ‘OR Thailand Grand Prix 2020’ will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and experience for attendees, as well as help boost the economy, tourism, and the image of Thailand. The event will mark another historic chapter in making Thais proud and become a “Pride of Thailand”.

Tanaisiri Chanvitayarom, Managing Director of Chang International Circuit, said:” Thailand is playing host to Race 2 of MotoGP 2020, which has a total of 20 races. We are committed to raising the standards every year while proudly exhibiting Thai culture to the rest of the world through activities for fans around the world. The race itself guarantees excitement and exhilaration, like the previous two years. The Thai circuit is touted as one the best circuits in the world for entertainment value and high-octane excitement”.

Ticket sales was announced at the press conference. Motorsport fans can purchase tickets, starting today (December 18) at any 7-Eleven stores or at www.allticket.com. Tickets available comprise Grand Stand (Bt4,000), Marquez Stand (Bt4,000), Rossi Stand (Bt4,000), and Side Stand (Bt2,000). Fans can enjoy a 15 per cent early-bird discount for tickets purchased within December 25, 2019 (Grand Stand tickets not included the promotional discount).

PTT Blue Card holders will receive an on-top discount of 25 per cent while a 20 per cent on-top discount is offered by other sponsors such as holders of Chang International Friend Club card, keys of any Honda or Yamaha motorcycles, SCB credit cards or debit cards. Those interested can find more information at Chang International Circuit Facebook page and www.allticket.com.

Jazz has enjoyed a sensational season, kicking off the year with a win in Singapore followed by two more significant victories in South Korea and Indonesia last week.

The 24-year-old deservedly sealed the Order of Merit crown, as no one can catch up with him on the money list even with three events left to play at the start of this month.

“It’s an honour to hear such compliments from Thongchai. He has helped many Thai golfers to get to where they are now. He has single-handedly placed Thailand on the world golf map and that has been a great inspiration not only for me but for other Thai golfers, too. It’s reassuring for us as whenever we go out there to compete, because we know that someone like Thongchai has already done that and we can also do it,” said Jazz, who had triumphed on this course last year.

“It was an honour to win the flagship event on the Asian Tour [last week in Indonesia]. It has been a very good year and this will be my last event for 2019. Now that I’ve broken into the top-50 in the world, I want to break into the top-40. It’s going to get harder but I just want to set realistic goals for myself,” added the country’s No 1 player.

Just like how he started the year, the Thai is looking for one last hurrah at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club before he takes a well-deserved break.

Compatriot Gunn Charoenkul, who watched in awe as Jazz outclassed him in Jakarta last week, believes a switch in his outlook towards his game and life has led to a very consistent year for him in 2019 as he looks towards closing his season on a high note.

“I did not expect to have such a consistent season at the start of the year. Surprisingly, I played really well and just rode on the good form and consistencies. Playing against Jazz last week in Indonesia, I now know where I need to improve on and get to the same level as he is right now,” added Gunn, who finished second behind Jazz in the Indonesian Masters on Sunday.

Belgium’s Thomas Detry, who is one of the invited star players for this week, is also seeking a grandstand finish after missing out on his chance to win in two of his last three events.

The US$500,000 event is promoted by the Jaidee Foundation, overseen by Thongchai.

While feeling proud of how the new generation of Thai golfers have put the country on the world map, the three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion is also aiming to help under-privileged golfers in his hometown of Lopburi and pave the way for aspiring talent to follow in his footsteps.

“Promoting this event has kept me very busy but it’s also fun. We have a very good field this week and I’m really enjoying myself. I’ve always wanted to give back to the sport in Thailand and this is one of the ways I’m making my contribution,” said Thongchai who just earned full exempt status on the PGA TOUR Champions after finishing second at the Qualifying Tournament final stage last week.

Although he is not playing in the Thailand Masters this week, the 50-year-old is still a star attraction with fans, players and sponsors.

Red-hot Jazz Janewattananond, the 2019 Asian Tour No 1, who just won the Indonesian Masters on Sunday are among this week’s top contenders which also include Thai No 2 Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Australian Scott Hend, American John Catlin, Malaysian Gavin Green, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha), Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts and India’s Shiv Kapur.

“I really want to congratulate Jazz Janewattananond for winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit and breaking into the world top-50 . I’m very proud each time I see these young boys winning a tournament. They are the future of golf for Thailand. I try to promote and stage the event as a major contest so that everyone can get a feel of what it’s like to be playing against the good players,” the three-time Asian Tour No 1 Thongchai said.

Green, who is playing in his last event of the year, is delighted to have his younger brother, Galven with him in the field this week.

The 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion is also using the Thailand Masters to reassess his game as he hopes to mount a strong start when the new season gets underway next year.

Colsaerts returns to Thailand after three years and is ready to enjoy the year-end festive vibes in the company of close friends, including Thongchai.

Meanwhile, Colsaerts returned to his winning ways when he ended his seven-year title drought with his win in France in October.

Several tournaments may still be added in due course but the confirmed events will offer close to US$13 million in total prize money.

The Hong Kong Open will raise the curtains for the 2020 season when it gets underway from January 9-12 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

The Tour’s home event- the SMBC Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course will follow soon after from January 16-19.

February will see The New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sports being contested again at the Millbrook Resort and The Hills in Queenstown from February 27- March 1.

Co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia and in partnership with the Japan Tour, the 101st New Zealand Open is one of New Zealand’s leading sporting events with a long and prestigious history.

Malaysia will then play host to two events with the Malaysian Open making its return to the Asian Tour schedule after a four-year absence at the Kotai Permai Golf and Country Club while Maybank will celebrate 15 years of excellence with golf as it continues its title sponsorship of the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur from April 16-19.

The Royal Cup will make its return at a new host venue in Kanchanaburi, Thailand from March 12-15 followed by the Hero Indian Open and Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open, Bangladesh from March 19-22 and 26-29 respectively.

The Asian Tour will then head to East Asia with an exciting run of events in May and June.

The GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship, which will celebrate its 39th edition at the Namseoul Country Club and the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup will be staged concurrently in Korea and Japan respectively from May 7-10.

The long-standing Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup was founded in 1973 but has been co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) since 2014. It will be the Tour’s first stop in Japan in 2020.

The Kolon Korea Open, which saw Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond clinch his fourth Asian Tour title and played a pivotal role in his Asian Tour Order of Merit win this year, will then cap the first half schedule when it is played from June 25-28.

Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO, Cho Minn Thant said: “Our number one goal is to put together a robust schedule for our players and we are pleased to announce several new and returning events to our schedule for the 2020 season.

“It is vital for us to continue to create playing opportunities for our players to give them the platform to excel and gain international recognition which will help to enhance the Asian Tour’s appeal to sponsors, partners and golf fans around the world.”

“The full 2020 Asian Tour schedule will be announced at a later date but we expect the second half of the season to be even stronger. Traditionally, the months from August to December are backed by many high profile events with many of them expected to ensure another thrilling conclusion to the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit race.”

2020 Asian Tour Schedule (January-June)

Jan 9-12: Hong Kong Open, Hong Kong Golf Club

Jan 16-19: SMBC Singapore Open, Sentosa Golf Club , Serapong Course

Feb 20-23: Qualifying School Final Stage, Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand

Feb 27- Mar1: New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sports, Millbrook Resort and The Hills, Queenstown

Mar 5-8: Malaysian Open, Kota Permai Golf and Country Club

Mar 12-15: Royal Cup, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Mar 19-22: Hero Indian Open, DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurgaon, India

Mar 26-29:  Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open, Kurmitola Golf Club, Bangladesh

Apr 16-19: Maybank Championship, Venue TBA

May 7-10: 39th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship, Namseoul Country Club/ Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup, Venue TBA

June 25-28: Kolon Korea Open, Woo Jeong Hills Country Club