Golf fans usually flock in their thousands to support their Thai heroes, however this week 72 top LPGA Stars are playing behind closed doors at the Siam Country Club’s Old Course May 6th-9th 2021.

 

Such is the effect of the Global pandemic that the PGA, European and LPGA tours have had to create a safe bubble for players and staff in order that golfer around the world can enjoy live golf be it only tv.

 

Here in Asia the LPGA agreed to come over for a short Asian swing with tournaments in Singapore and Thailand.

Thailand is currently going through its third wave of Covid cases, so it was touch and go if the tour would actually arrive in the country.

 

It is a massive undertaking to create a safe bubble for players, caddies, LPGA events staff and TV crews. 

 

Not only did they have to get everyone involved over on special flights from America, but they all have to stay in one hotel, travel to the course in special transport and cannot meet any outsiders. That includes Sponsors, media, even friends and family.

 

The TV coverage is still first class though, and is broadcast live or taped to over 170 different countries every day. 

However, the commentators have work remotely, and in this case are based in Singapore for both events on the Asian swing. 

 

 

They have to rely on getting their live feed from the Old Course, and apparently even the shows graphics come from the UK!

 

It is rather sad that many of the Thai players on the LPGA tour have been in America for some time, but although they have now arrived in Pattaya, they are still unable to actually meet their families and friends. 

 

Some have managed to wave at their daughters from hotel balconies, however as soon as the LPGA Honda Thailand finishes, they will all return to the US bubble to compete at another tournament in the next few days.

 

Since Ariya Jutanugarn’s failed attempt to win this prestigious tournament back in 2013, Thai golf fans have hoped that one day there would be a Thai champion.

 

It is therefore ironic that with three Thais in a commanding position after day two, that they may stand a chance of winning, without the masses there to cheer them on in person. 

 

--2021-05-08

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Golf fans usually flock in their thousands to support their Thai heroes, however this week 72 top LPGA Stars are playing behind closed doors at the Siam Country Club’s Old Course May 6th-9th 2021.

I thought golf was an outdoor game, maybe this is Thai style game playing 8-holes inside?

On 5/8/2021 at 10:09 AM, webfact said:

Since Ariya Jutanugarn’s failed attempt to win this prestigious tournament back in 2013, Thai golf fans have hoped that one day there would be a Thai champion.

 

Congratulations to Ariya who finally made it happen at -22 and commiserations to Atthaya, who narrowly missed winning and ended up second by herself, and Patty who was tied for 3rd with 3 others on -20.

So not only a Thai winner but second and third as well.