Chonburi: Thitaree Viswapathumwan, a golfer from Kansas State University, has taken the solo lead in the first round of the 'Singha-SAT Chonburi Ladies Championship 2026,' with an impressive 6-under-par 66. The tournament, organized by the Ladies Professional Golf Association of Thailand (LPGA), is being held at Laem Chabang International Country Club in Chonburi Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the 'Singha-SAT Chonburi Ladies Championship' features a prize pool of 2 million baht and runs from June 17-19, 2026. Sponsored by Singha Corporation, the National Sports Development Fund, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Laem Chabang International Country Club, the event is a 3-day, 54-hole stroke play competition. After the first two days consisting of 36 holes, the field will be narrowed to 50 players and ties (excluding amateur golfers) for the final round. Players scoring more than 16 over par (88) on any day will be disqualified. The winner in the professional category will receive 260,000 baht, with 126 female golfers participating, including 99 professionals and 27 amateurs.
Thitaree Viswapathumwan, a 19-year-old student who recently returned to Thailand, leads after the first round with a round consisting of 7 birdies and one bogey. She is trailed by Sarisa Pojanalai from Michigan State University and Orakanok Soisuwan from Bangkok, both with scores of 4-under-par 68.
Thitaree expressed her thoughts, stating, "Today's game was quite steady, but when I had the chance, I took it. The first nine holes were a bit shaky, but I bounced back. My mental game was good today, and the golfing atmosphere was perfect. The course was in great condition, although there might be a few spots that were unplayable. Coming back here, I miss all the senior players and their fast-paced, professional play. Learning there allowed me to practice how to play with the wind, making me realize that the wind we play with today isn't that strong, and there's more to explore. It's an experience I rarely get in Thailand. Thai AL has given me a great foundation, and I think I've learned so much from the senior players. I'll do the same for the next two days; I'm not putting pressure on myself to be a certain way. Please cheer me on! I'll do my best."
Orakanok Soisuwan, tied for second, commented, "Actually, today I tried to play according to my plan because I didn't practice before the competition. I was a bit confused on Course C because I've never played it before. I played according to the yardage book and also asked Daddy for advice. Actually, the wind was quite strong in the afternoon round, but the weather was pretty good. I already like this course. For the next two days, I'll play according to my plan and the yardage book as best as I can."
Sarisa Pojanalai, the Color Tour champion, said, "Today I tried to play safely. I bogeyed the last hole (hole 9), but overall it was good. I played according to the same plan as on the Color Tour; nothing changed much. My irons were better than on Monday, and my putting was still okay. Actually, I didn't try to put pressure on myself today; I just tried to play my own game."
Kanj Bannabodee from Chonburi, competing in his third consecutive tournament, finished the first round with a 3-under-par 69, tying for fourth with Angel Thongaram, Praew Nontarak, Thammanitda Seema, Patmawadee Kittikanok, Thanjira Issaraphol (amateur), and Kanyarak Pongpithanon (amateur).
Nawaporn Suntriphas, currently the top money earner on the Thai LPGA, scored 1 under par 71, placing her in a tie for 14th with 13 other golfers.
For the second round of competition, the first group of golfers will begin at 7:00 AM, with the afternoon round starting at 11:30 AM. Updates and results can be followed every 3 holes via LIVE SCORE on the THAI LPGA TOUR Facebook page.
Results of the first round of competition (June 17):
66 Thitaree Viswapathumwan (Amateur)
68 Sarisa Pojanalai (Amateur), Orakanok Soisuwan
69 Kanj Bannabodee, Angel Thongaram, Thammanitda Seema, Patmawadee Kittikanok, Thanjira Issaraphol (amateur), Kanyarak Pongpithanon (amateur)
70 Oranicha Konsanthia, Phattarat Rattanawan, Chakansim Khambon